Have you got your census letter?
Published: Thursday, 11 March, 2021
Households across the Stroud district are being asked to take part in Census 2021.
Census day is on March 21, but households will now be receiving letters with online codes explaining how they can complete their forms. If you don’t get one in the next couple of weeks, please get in touch with the census contact centre. You can also request a paper questionnaire if you’d prefer to complete your census that way.
Local census support centres will be open while the census is happening. Staff will offer help for people not confident online, who don’t have a computer or need help completing on paper.
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
Cllr Doina Cornell, leader of Stroud District Council said:
“In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the information gathered by the census will help shape vital services for the years to come more urgently than ever before.”
Running the census in times of a pandemic has naturally thrown up some challenges and the ONS’ focus is ensuring the safety of the public.
Census director of operations Pete Benton said:
“We want everyone to be safely counted and we’re making sure our plans are always in line with the latest government guidelines.”
“Census field officers will only follow up with households after Census Day on March 21 if householders have not yet completed their questionnaire. They will never enter a household, they will always be socially distanced, be equipped with PPE and work in line with all government guidance.”
Some census questions have updated guidance to reflect our changed living and working circumstances.
He added: “For those on furlough, we have updated guidance on how to answer questions on work. All students need to be included in the census, and they should complete it for their usual term-time address. If they’re currently living at their home address, they will need to be included in the census for that household too.”
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.
“We have made it simple, straightforward and safe to take part. It takes just 10 minutes per person to fill out your form and if you can’t get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them, as well as lots of support. Now is the time to make your mark on history.”
For more information, and to find out how to get help, visit census.gov.uk or call the contact centre on 0800 141 2021