Newham could miss out on vital funding if households do not return their Census questionnaires, council chiefs have warned.

They say each completed form means the authority will receive at least �6,000 to spend on services – a total of more than �1 billion over the next ten years if every home responds.

At previous surveys some residents have not returned their forms, or failed to complete them accurately. Thousands of homes across Newham will receive the forms over the next few weeks and they need to be returned by April 6.

Collectors will visit the homes of those who do not respond and anyone who refuses could face a fine.