A reminder to help you deal with any client questions about the 2021 Census

Census day, which falls on Sunday 21 March, is fast approaching and people will soon start to receive their packs through the post. The online questionnaire is simple to fill in and is compatible with most assistive technologies such as screen readers.

What is it?

The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The next census takes place on Sunday 21 March 2021.

Your answers to the census questions will help organisations make decisions on planning and funding public services in your area, including transport, education and healthcare.

Completing the Census
There is lots of support on offer for everyone who needs it. Anyone not confident filling in their questionnaire online can ask for a paper form by calling the census contact centre on 0800 141 2021 (in England) or 0800 169 2021 (in Wales).  The contact centre is also there to answer questions about the census, and to offer alternative formats – for example, a Large Print questionnaire pack or a braille guidance booklet.

Census Support Centres offering internet access and face-to-face help will be available in local areas when they can open safely.

People can ask a trusted person, such as a friend, family member or carer, for help with their form. If you are asked to help you can read the questions aloud to them and complete the questionnaire with the answers they give you. You can also post it for them if they can’t get to a post box. 

What happens once you have completed the Census?
After Census Day, Office for National Statistics (ONS) field staff might visit homes to give help and encouragement where people haven’t filled in their forms. They will wear ID and will not ask to come inside or see personal documents.

People can also trust that their information will be safe once they have given it to the census. The ONS has a strict security regime that follows government standards.  Published statistics contain no personal information, so individuals can never be identified.

For further information, please go to: www.census.gov.uk/help