TODAY’S census forms should only be returned to the official collections teams - and should not be posted.

That’s the official government advice as today’s Isle of Man census takes place around the Island to find out how many people are currently living in the Island, as well as many other aspects about the Isle of Man’s residents.

Treasury Minister Anne Craine says the data is “invaluable” to government planners.

If anyone has not received a form they should contact the census office on 686861.

All the information provided is confidential. The forms are stored in sealed boxes in the government archives and will not be available to anyone for more than 100 years.

The completed forms will be collected at pre-arranged times by the official collection teams.

A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed on anyone who fails to complete their census form. However, prosecutions for such an offence have been very rare.