Census 2021

With Sunday 21 March around the corner, Census 2021 is in full swing in Walsall South. Letters with an access code, so that people can complete the census online, have all gone out and responses are already coming in. “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 (ONS, 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 around 10 minutes per person to complete the census and, if you cannot get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. Now is the time to make your mark on history.” This census is the most inclusive yet. People can answer in the way that best represents them using the options, including write-in options, provided. For the ethnic group, religion and national identity questions, this ability is further enhanced online by search-as-you-type functionality. The questionnaire includes questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size, identity and employment. Census 2021 will also ask people aged 16 years and over questions on three new topics. These are about previous service in the UK Armed Forces, gender identity and sexual orientation. The sexual orientation and gender identity questions are also voluntary. 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, or to find out how to get help, visit www.census.gov.uk and www.cyfrifiad.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021 (England) and 0800 169 2021 (Wales).