Residents are being warned they face a fine of up to £1,000 if they return their census questionnaires after tomorrow.

James Cuthell, information officer at Braintree Council, said: “It’s really important that everyone fills out and returns their form soon because the information will dictate how much money we will receive from Government to spend on local services over the next 10 years.”

Residents can fill their census forms online, on paper or ask the census collector who will be visiting those who have yet to complete them for a replacement questionnaire if any have accidentally been misplaced.

Visit: www.census.gov.uk or call the telephone helpline on 0300 0201 101.