Census is coming!

News Date: 
Monday, January 25, 2021

The next Census will take place on 21 March! The census is a survey carried out by The Office of National Statistics (ONS) every 10 years to give a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The answers you give will help to inform funding decisions on public services in the area. Whether it’s planning new schools, doctor’s surgeries or bike lanes, the information you share has an impact on the lives of everyone living in England and Wales.

It’s important to fill in your census questionnaire because it gives the most detailed information about our society. It is a legal requirement to complete the form.

Towards the end of February, a postcard will be delivered to you from the ONS to remind you that it is happening. At the beginning of March, you will receive an information pack in the post which will tell you all you need to know about completing the form. You’ll be able to complete the form online, but if you’d prefer to fill in a paper form, the information pack will tell you how to ask for one. You only complete one form per household.

We’ve put some FAQs below. If you’d like to find out more, or if you need help, please visit: www.census.gov.uk

When should I fill in my census questionnaire?

You can complete the questionnaire as soon as you get the access code in your information pack, but it should be done no later than the 21st of March. 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.

What if I cannot fill in my census questionnaire online?

If you need help filling out your census questionnaire online, you can ask a family member or someone you trust to help you, but if you’d prefer to fill in a paper form, the information pack will tell you how to ask for one.

There are a wide range of support services available to you including:

  • guidance and support in many languages and formats
  • help over the phone, in a web chat or social media
  • a paper version of the questionnaire, if you prefer
  • accessible census guidance, for example, in braille

Will the government use the information I share to identify me?

No. The Office for National Statistics carries out the census in England and Wales. The information that they publish is always anonymous. It’s a crime to share personal census information and anything you tell them is protected.

What if I do not identify with the census options?

The census asks you about your ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, religion and national identity. It’s up to you to decide how you would like to answer each question and you should do it in the way you feel best represents you.

Could information I share affect my benefits or immigration status?

No. The information you share in the census cannot be used to influence benefit claims, a residency application, immigration, immigration status or your taxes. Officials dealing with payments or services you receive cannot see your census information.