There are lots of holiday lets and second homes in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, but due to lockdown, the owners have been unable to visit their property to pick up the census pack.

However, you still need to complete a census questionnaire for the property, even if it is empty and if you’ve not been able to stay there or let it out for holiday use. 

If your second property is a holiday home that is only for your use, you’re responsible for filling in the census form sent to that address as well as the one sent to your other address.

If you can’t get the post from a property, you can complete the census online by requesting an access code for that address to be sent to you by text.

If no one was staying there overnight on Sunday 21 March 2021, you will only need to answer a few questions about that property.

If your second property is rented out for holiday lets, you’re responsible for filling in the census for that address.

If you had guests staying on Sunday 21 March 2021, record their details in the visitor questions only.

If your second property is rented out for tenants to live in for three months or more, and you had tenants living at your property on Sunday 21 March 2021, they’re responsible for filling in the census form sent to that address.

If you didn’t have tenants on this date, only answer the questions about the property in the household questions.

You should fill in a census form for this address if: you’re still in the UK and if you’re outside the UK for less than 12 months

You don’t need to fill in the census form if you’re away for 12 months or more, and outside the UK.

There is plenty of help available on the census website, including face-to-face assistance at local Census Support Centres plus a dedicated call centre 0800 141 2021.

If people do not complete their census, they may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000.