The census is coming on Sunday 21 March. By taking part, you can help inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Transport
What is the Census?
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.
Moving the Census online
Census 2021 will be the first digital-first census. It’s easy to do and can be done on any device. You’ll get an access code from the Office for National Statistics. Simply go online and enter the code into the Census 2021 website to get started. They’ll be in contact nearer the time to let you know what you need to do.
Do I have to take part?
If you live in England and Wales, you must take part in the census. Census information helps inform how public funding is spent.
By taking around 10 minutes per person to fill in the census questionnaire, you will help make sure your community gets the services needed now and in the future.
When should I fill in my census questionnaire?
Census Day is Sunday 21 March – but you can fill yours in as soon as you get your access code in the post.
Your answers should be about the people who usually live in your household on this date – even if you’re filling it in before then. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let the Office for National Statistics (ONS) know.
While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations. Find out how they will keep your data safe.
You must complete the census by law
You must complete the census by law. If you do not, or if you supply false information, you could be fined up to £1,000. Some questions are clearly labelled as voluntary. It is not an offence if you do not answer these.
Working on the Census
If you’re a people person, have great customer service skills and want to be part of something that affects all of us, then apply for a job with the census. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) are recruiting temporary staff to work on the 2021 Census in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Help and support
The ONS are aiming to make it easy for everyone to take part in Census 2021. But, if you need help, they’ve got it covered. They’ll have an online help area and offer help by phone, webchat, e-mail, social media or text message. They’ll also have guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats.
For further information, and to keep up to date, visit the Census website.
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