Census2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society
Households will soon be asked to take part in the census. This is held once every 10 years with the next one taking place in March.
Census day is 21st March 2021.
The national poll is a snapshot of the country on one day giving detailed information about society which is then used to make decisions about vital services in the community – such as doctors’ surgeries, new schools, bus routes, care provision for the vulnerable and elderly.
In late February, all households will receive a letter explaining the census and then households will receive a unique access code allowing you to complete the questionnaire online on computers, tablets or smartphones. Paper questionnaires are available on request.
Census helplines will be able to offer support throughout March.
The census will include questions about household size, your age, work, health, education, and ethnicity. For the first time it will ask people whether they have served in the UK Armed Forces – including doing National Service – and there will be voluntary questions on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Every household will be required by law to fill out a Census form.
The Office for National Statistics runs the census. It is independent from the government. All details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous. Data will be published in 2022, but all personal details which would identify an individual are locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations and family historians.
The census has been carried out every ten years since 1801 with the exception of 1941 due to the Second World War.
For more information about Census2021 visit www.census.gov.uk