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Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society

Households across England and Wales will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021.

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.

It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

“A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said.

“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

The census will include 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.

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

For more information, visit census.gov.uk.

  • What is the Census?

    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’s been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

  • What happens to the information?

    It's used by local government to plan what services are needed in the local area like schools, housing, doctors surgeries. It's also used by charities and businesses.

  • Who should complete the census?

    Everyone living and working in England and Wales (Scotland and Ireland are doing their census in 2022).

  • How should I complete it?

    It will be the first census run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

    If you’re 16 or over you can call the census helpline and request access to complete a questionnaire independently and anonymously to the rest of your household.

  • What if someone doesn’t have access to the internet?

    Paper questionnaires will be available by calling the number on the letter you receive or you can complete it online by visiting one of the census support centres.

  • When does it take place?

    Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

  • What questions does it ask?

    The census will include 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.

  • How secure is my data?

    When the ONS publishes statistics they're completely anonymous. They don't include any personal information and you can not be identified via census data. Your personal census information is protected by law and it’s a crime for anyone to share it. This means government departments dealing with any applications you've made or any payments or services you receive can not see your census information. For example it cannot be used to influence benefit claims, a residency application, immigration status or taxes. Private organisations and individuals such as landlords will not have access to your personal information. ONS will never sell your data.

    All census records are kept secure for 100 years and only then can they be viewed by future generations, for example, by those interested in family history.

  • Someone has knocked at my door claiming to work for the Census, is this right?

    Census Field Officers may knock on your door. All officers will have an official census photo ID on a purple branded lanyard. They will also be wearing a hi vis jacket with the census logo on.

    The Covid Safe Field officers will follow all the current guidelines and will knock on doors to check people have completed their census or ask if they need help. They will help free of charge - you should not give anyone any money to help you complete the Census.