Census Day is almost here

With March 21 – Census Day – literally around the corner, Census 2021 is in full swing in Cheshire East.

The information packs with unique access codes are being sent out and should arrive in the next few days. 

Operating in line with the government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, field officers employed by the Office of National Statistics will be deployed across the country to contact those who have not yet responded offering help and advice where needed.

This census is the most inclusive yet. Everyone can identify as they wish using search as you type online and write-in options on paper if they need them.

“A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said. 

“It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. We’ve had a fantastic response so far, with so many of you completing the questionnaire on your laptops, phones and computers. 

“It takes just 10 minutes per person to take part and if you can’t get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. Now is the time to make your mark on history.”

The questionnaire includes questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The results from the census will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. 

Jane Burns, executive director of corporate services for Cheshire East Council, said: “We are delighted to be helping the ONS in their delivery of Census 2021 in these extremely challenging times.

“The ways we’ve supported the census in 2021 have been very different due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, but the importance of securing a positive response from our residents is crucial. 

“I cannot emphasise enough just how vital it is that everyone completes their survey, so that we can understand as much as possible about tailoring the services we deliver to residents’ needs.”

To receive the census guidance in another language or to have your census in a different accessible format, such as large print or braille, visit census.gov.uk/help or call the ONS contact centre on 0800 141 2021.