The census happens every ten years and the next one is on Sunday 21 March 2021. Cwmbran Life has put together this guide of what you need to know.
What is the census?
It’s simply a survey that takes place every ten years to give a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. Organisations will use your answers to make decisions. So all the information will be used to make decisions on important things like planning, funding local public services, transport, education and healthcare.
Completing your census online
Census 2021 is a digital-first census. They are encouraging people to fill it in online using their mobile phone, tablet or computer.
You will get an information pack in the post that contains a unique code to use. You should either answer the individual questions for all members of your household or make sure each member answers their own.
You can request a new access code to start a new census if you have lost or not received an access code. This can be sent to you by text or post.
How to get a paper copy of the census
If you want to fill in a paper copy of the census can request one online or call 0800 169 2021.
When should I complete the census?
You should complete the census on Sunday 21 March 2021 or as soon as possible after. If you’ve filled it in before 21 March and things have changed, you can let them know by calling 0800 169 2021.
How long will it take to complete the census?
You will spend about ten minutes answering questions about your household and then about ten minutes on questions about each person in your household.
Where will my information be shared?
The personal information you put on your census is only used for statistical purposes. The statistics don’t contain any information that will allow you or anyone you live with to be identified. Personal information includes things like your name, date of birth and address.
They ask for your name and date of birth to make sure each person is only counted once.
Only carefully selected and approved staff can see your personal census information. Approved staff use the information for statistical purposes only.
Your personal census information cannot be seen or used by:
- anyone who makes decisions about you or any services that you get
- anyone making decisions about your residency applications or immigration status
- anyone making decisions about individual services, such as taxes and benefits
- anyone wanting to find you or sell you anything – your personal information can’t be sold to third parties
- anyone enforcing the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions or from NHS Test and Trace
How much can I be fined if I don’t complete the census?
It is an offence to supply false information or to not complete the census, and 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.
More information
Visit https://census.gov.uk/ for more information.