 The purpose of the census is to accurately reflect society so that we can shape policy and support public services. The problem that we found with the census bill is that it did not consult with a broad enough range of individuals and organisations in particular, a broad enough range of women's groups and as a result the language of the census is deficient in that it could create a perception that there's a conflation between sex and gender identity. If a more extensive consultation had taken place that perception probably wouldn't have arisen so we have recommended changes to the face of the bill and suggested that the Scottish Government should bring forward amendments at stage 2 to correct this.