Missing Census forms

[MichaelZZ]

Has anyone else been harrassed by the "Census Police" for allegedly not returning their census form?
I filled mine in and posted it the day after Census Day yet I have had three visits by the census people (a different person each time who apparently had no knowledge of the other harrassers). Apparently a lot of forms have been lost by Royal Mail but the solution to Royal Mail's inefficiency is for me to fill out another form.
I have been told that this is now urgent and must be done before next Tuesday (not easy, as I shall be on holiday until then) when someone will call to collect it. If the original form turns up in the meantime, I am told that nobody will call.
Is there really more to this than a mammoth time wasting (mine and theirs) exercise?

[boxtops]

You've obviously got access to the internet - just do it on-line, we did - it takes about ten minutes. Print off a copy before you click Submit, and show it to the door knockers. Costs nothing, gets them off your back.

[MichaelZZ]

Nice idea BT, I should have done this in the first place but according to the latest doorknocker it is too late to do it online now without a lot of faff which involves phoning them for a new Reference Number. Allegedly, the phone lines are always engaged and it is ot unusual to hang on for half an hour.
The whole exercise has been a grade 1 botch up.

[boxtops]

Hmm, I see what you mean. I just looked at the site and although you can order a new form, there seems no way to ask for a number reminder on-line.

[boxtops]

PS - if They are chasing you up, surely They have a list which may include your number (or is that too much like Data Protection)?

[MichaelZZ]

I have actually filled in the replacement form and will hand it over when (if) the census person calss next week.
I was just wondering how many ABers had had the same problem. The census lady had a huge clipboard full of addresses where forms had not been returned.
Did Royal Mail bite off more than they could chew when they took the census contract?
Why didn't the govenment give the contract to some logistics experts (like Eddie Stobart)?

[boxtops]

I wonder if anyone even asked Royal Mail if they could handle the load.... on-line's much the easiest way for all concerned.

[SIRandyraven]

£500,000,000 cost of exercise
25,000,000 forms
So it cost £20 per form to process

[boxtops]

I suppose I am biased by all my acquaintances either having it, or having access to someone who does - or there is always the library (whilst it's still there).

[jno]

I have the internet but no forms: apparently my property doesn't exist. I have asked for forms anyway.

[DeadEndStreet]

What census :)