Working together to deliver a successful Census2021

Census2021 has launched its national advertising campaign to highlight the forthcoming once-in-every-ten-years survey of people and population in England and Wales.

The Office for National Statistics - which runs Census2021 - is working with Stratford-on-Avon District Council to deliver a successful census and help local services fully meet future needs.  

Understanding the needs of communities helps everyone from central government to local organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services.

Census data helps decide where public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health - on cycle routes, schools, hospitals, family and care services.

The census takes place on 21 March 2021. It will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities and the inequalities people are experiencing. It will ensure the big decisions facing the country following the coronavirus pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible.

"Census 2021 will be crucial in giving a snapshot of life in the 21st Century and during these unprecedented times," said Sally Bannister, Census Engagement Manager for south Warwickshire.

"Information from the Census makes a difference to the life of every single person in south Warwickshire - and the nation as a whole. Census data is used to plan things that are important in everyday lives for all our families - like maternity services, schools, apprenticeship schemes, care provision for the elderly, mental health support, housing, and new bike lanes.

"Because these things matter to all of us, everyone must complete the census. But all data is made anonymous and details which would identify a person is kept locked away for 100 years for historians and those searching details of family trees. So no personal or identifying details can be seen by government officials dealing with applications or payments or services you receive."

David Buckland, Chief Executive of Stratford-on-Avon District Council stressed: "The census provides the district with important information about its population, helping future funding in our communities and planning our services. It is vital that everyone takes part."

Households will begin receiving letters with online codes in March explaining how they can complete their online census. People can also request a paper questionnaire if they'd prefer to complete the census that way.  In areas where lower online completion is expected, around 10% of households will receive a traditional paper form through the post.

There is plenty of help available in various languages with people also able to complete the census over the phone with assistance from trained staff via the ONS' free phone contact centre.

The main census field operation will begin only after Census Day, contacting those who have not responded. Field staff will never need to enter people's houses; they will always be socially distanced, wear PPE and work in line with all government guidance. They will be operating in the same way as a postal or food delivery visit.

Census2021 will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results will be available in 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

For more information and advice on how to answer the questions, visit census.gov.uk