A COUNCILLOR urged residents to fill in their census forms at an event in a pub in Harrow yesterday.

Councillor Keith Ferry (Labour, Wealdstone), responsible for planning and economic development, said it was vital for residents to complete the forms in order to help the council get the correct amount of Government funding.

The event, held at The Castle pub, in West Street, in Harrow on the Hill, and is one of several form-filling help days organised across the borough by Harrow Council.

Cllr Ferry said: “It went very well. We have quite a few fill in days such as these with staff at the ready to help people out with their forms.

“It is essential for us to know the numbers as it can affect our funding and it is also important as it is a legal requirement for everyone to fill it out.”

The census, launched on Sunday, is compulsory and anyone who does not take part could be fined £1,000, although the penalty is used as a last resort.

Cllr Ferry added: “Ultimately, it’s a £1,000 fine so people shouldn’t let it get to that stage. If they leave it to a late stage then census collectors will come round to help them out.

“When people get the form out of the envelope they see it’s quite thick and they may leave it thinking they will fill it in another time.

“Really it should only take about 15 minutes to fill out. If it a case of form-phobia then these events can help people to get over that.”

Landlord Damian Connelly said: “It was a great event and raised awareness of how important it is to fill in the forms.

“Some people may not realize that they really do have to do it and can’t leave it otherwise they will be fined.”

To find out about further census days in the area or to complete the form online log on to www.harrow.gov.uk