Census 2021 is up and running across Cheshire West and Chester

With Sunday March 21 just around the corner, Census 2021 is in full swing.

Run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the census is the once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all people and households in England and Wales.

Letters, with unique access codes, have been sent out and responses are already coming in.

“A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in our borough”, said Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

“It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future.  I’d encourage everyone who can, to complete their questionnaire, whether that be on your laptops, phones or computers.

“Our friendly and helpful library staff have been specially trained to give support over the telephone to anyone who needs help completing their form.  You can call them on 0300 123 7728.

“It takes around 10 minutes per person 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 census will not only provide a fresh picture of the population and their health – it will also shed light on social and economic changes to their lives. It will provide new information that will be used for years to come. This information will inform decisions on public services, including hospitals, schools, universities and job centres, to meet the needs of a changing society.

The census includes questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there is 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. Data protection and privacy is the ONS’s top priority. The personal information you give in the census is protected by law.

Census field officers will follow up with households after Census Day on March 21 if they have not yet completed their questionnaire. They will never enter a house, they will always be socially distanced, be equipped with PPE and work in line with all government guidance.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

To complete your census, and to find out how you can get help, please visit census.gov.uk or call the national helpline on 0800 141 2021 or the local census support centre on 0300 123 7728