More than 3,000 households have gone online to fill in the interim census form in the first two days that it has been available.

Anyone who has not yet completed the census is encouraged to do so online by the May 6 cut-off for submission of the forms.

This year’s Isle of Man census is the first to offer the option of online completion and Government says the initial response is encouraging, with 1 in 6 returns being completed online.

The total for census returns received to date, including paper forms as well as online, is around 18,000 out of an estimated 37,000 occupied households

Census Project Manager Adam Smith commented: ‘We are pleased that a significant number of households have taken advantage of the quickest and easiest way to complete and submit their interim census forms.

‘Filling in the form online is convenient, simple and instant – with no need to go to the post box – and it saves taxpayers’ money by cutting down on paperwork. In line with the Digital Strategy it’s all about convenience, cost savings and ultimately choice.”

Mr Smith added: ‘For those who haven’t yet completed and submitted their census form they have until May 6 to do so, and we would encourage them to consider the online option.’

Every home has been provided with a paper version of the form, which includes a unique online code that will allow householders access to the online form.

The online form will guide households through the questions they should be answering, prevent questions from being missed and can be completed more quickly and accurately than the paper version.

Residents who would like to complete their return online but are not confident using the internet can visit the Census Office and be helped through the process.

Households may also request assistance in their homes. A Census Officer will be able to visit and help them complete the form until 6 May. Support will be available for those whose first language is not English.

Further information, including responses to Frequently Asked Questions, is also available on the Government website: https://www.gov.im/categories/home-and-neighbourhood/census-2016/. 

After 9 May reminder letters will be sent and the census team will visit all properties that have not yet completed and returned the census form.