The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for the Census, which is important because it records the most detailed information about the society we live in. Scotland and Northern Ireland will hold their own Census in March 2022.
Why do we have a census for
The survey provides information to governments which aids their ability to monitor equality, set policy, plan for services and the allocation of resources. This is relevant for Public health and Social Care, Housing, Education, Transport, Planning and development and more.
The Census 2021 is being conducted to despite the COVID-19 pandemic as it is the only source of local level information that gives data on ethnicity, occupation and household composition.
In more recent times the public interest has grown over the historical Census data. The National Archives has published advice on how to access data over 100 years old for historical and ancestry research.
Is it anonymous
The ONS does publish statistics, but it is anonymous with no personal Information. The information will eventually become available after 100 years.
Do I have to complete the Census
Yes, in 1920 it became a legal obligation under the Census act 1920. 2021 will be the DIGITAL FIRST and unlike past surveys it will not be sent as a paper form to your home. The focus of 2021 is to engage with everyone included under-represented and or hard to reach groups.
The ONS also confirmed that paper forms will be available upon request for those who need it. The ONS Digital Divide report shows that over 90% of the UK population currently use the internet with it hopes will acceleration the results and analysis of the census. It will also reduce cost, improve the data quality and be more efficient for the public to complete.
How do I complete the Census
You will receive an Initial Contact Letter with a unique code for the electronic questionnaire. The letter will guide you to the www.census.gov.uk website where you can start the census and Enter your 16-character access code.
What if you are away or abroad on Census day
If you are not in the UK on this date, for less than 12 months, you must still be counted in the Census. You should be included on the form sent to your perm ant or family address. If there is no one at home then it is to be filled in as soon as you return.
If you don’t have an access code
You can request a new access code to start a new Census if you have lost or not received an access code. You can choose if this is to be sent to you by text or post. This will start a new Census, and you will lose any answers entered using a previous access code.
When is the Census
Every household will receive the pack including the initial contact letter between 3rd March and 13th March 2021. The 2021 Census it’s self takes place on Sunday 21st March 2021. This should be completed immediately as reminder letters will begin from 22nd March 2021.
Language & Accessible Support
There are translation booklets for 48 languages including a full translation of the question air. The contact centre will be able to send these via the post. An interpretation service is available in 53 language via the public contact centre via the phone. British sign language videos including BSL translations of the questions, with subtitle and audio are available too. Braille, Easy Read booklets have been created in addition to a Large Print version of the question air and information leaflet.
Contact Centre Details
https://census.gov.uk/contact-us
Telephone
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 8am to 1pm
Sunday, closed
Census weekend (20 – 21 March), 8am to 8pm
England
Telephone free: 0800 141 2021
Web Chat https://census.gov.uk/en/web-chat/
If you need to speak to the contact centre in another language, there is a free language helpline on 0800 587 2021.
Text Relay UK users dial 18001 followed by the phone number you need.
Image Credits:
- Initial Contact Letter: Office for National Statistics
- What is the Census?: Hillbers