The 2021 Census Is Coming

Published on: 8 Mar, 2021
Updated on: 10 Mar, 2021

The census is coming. By taking part, you can help inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) gives the following details….

The census is a unique survey that happens every 10 years. It gives us a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales – the most detailed information we have about our society.

It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire. Without the information you share, it’d be more difficult to understand your community’s needs and to plan and fund public services.

In one way or another, your information touches the lives of every single person living in England and Wales, whether it’s through using census information to plan new schools, doctors’ surgeries or bike lanes.

Because these things matter to us all, everyone needs to complete the census. Do not worry, government officials dealing with applications you’ve made or payments or services you receive cannot see it.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from the government. Your details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous.

Census Day is Sunday, March 21, 2021. You can fill yours in online as soon as you get your access code in the post. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let the ONS know.

Everyone should have the support they need to fill in the census. If you, or anyone you know, needs help, there’s a wide range of support services available.

These include a contact centre that can give you help over the phone and guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats, including paper questionnaires and large print.

If you need help or have any questions, visit www.census.gov.uk or contact Anneli, your local Community Engagement Manager at anneli.lowe30@field.census.gov.uk

Responses to The 2021 Census Is Coming

Susan Fox Reply

March 10, 2021 at 2:53 pm

We got our census information this morning. If you are illiterate or English is your second language there is nothing to tell you how you get help.

The largest print is saved for warnings that it is a legal requirement to complete it.

The census number you need to use is on the form just bet people in either of the categories above will either bin it or put it somewhere for much later, it’s a very natural thing to do, especially as it’s very hard for anyone to admit they can’t read or write.
John Lomas Reply

March 11, 2021 at 9:57 am

I have also received my information leaflet.

My only comment is. As it has to be completed during a single 24-hour period.

When was any government computer system launched which was able to cope with that amount of traffic without crashing during its first day of operation?
- Dave Middleton Reply
  
  March 12, 2021 at 11:36 am
  
  Mr Lomas’ comment is incorrect.
  
  As stated in the above article and on the information leaflet accompanying the census letter, If you know who will be in your household on the night of the 21st (and let’s face it most of us do), the census can be completed online in advance. If circumstances change, it can be amended.
  
  It does not have to be done on the 21st.
Sara Tokunaga Reply

March 11, 2021 at 11:12 am

I also received the census form. When I telephoned for a paper copy the message I received said that due to a high number of calls they were unable to respond and advised me to go to their website.

The whole point of calling surely is because not everyone has access to the website. I was asked by one elderly gentleman if this meant the government would be providing him with a computer.

As this letter is going out to every household it would have made more sense to send the form out, giving the opportunity to complete it online. Another waste of time and money.
- Dave Middleton Reply
  
  March 11, 2021 at 12:23 pm
  
  Surely it is better and cheaper to send out just two pieces of A4 paper, rather than a multi-page form, many of which would go in the recycling bin as a significant number of people will complete the census online?
  
  Is that not economically and environmentally more sound?