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Census 2021
Help shape your community
Census Day was Sunday 21 March, but it’s not too late to take part! You have until the 4th of May to complete the Census. By taking part, you can help inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Transport
What is the Census?
The census is a unique survey that happens every 10 years. It gives us a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales – the most detailed information we have about our society.
It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire. Without the information you share, it’d be more difficult to understand your community’s needs and to plan and fund public services.
In one way or another, your information touches the lives of every single person living in England and Wales, whether it’s through using census information to plan new schools, doctors’ surgeries or bike lanes.
Because these things matter to us all, everyone needs to complete the census.
Moving the Census online
Census 2021 will be the first digital-first census. It’s easy to do and can be done on any device. You’ll get an access code from the Office for National Statistics through the post. Simply go online and enter the code into the Census 2021 website to get started.
If you haven't received your letter, or if you have misplaced it, you can request a new unique access code on the Census website. If you’re not confident or don’t want to complete online there’s no need to worry as you can request a paper questionnaire and return via post once completed.
Census Day was Sunday 21 March, but it’s not too late to take part! You have until the 4th of May to complete the Census. By taking part, you can help inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Transport
What is the Census?
The census is a unique survey that happens every 10 years. It gives us a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales – the most detailed information we have about our society.
It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire. Without the information you share, it’d be more difficult to understand your community’s needs and to plan and fund public services.
In one way or another, your information touches the lives of every single person living in England and Wales, whether it’s through using census information to plan new schools, doctors’ surgeries or bike lanes.
Because these things matter to us all, everyone needs to complete the census.
Moving the Census online
Census 2021 will be the first digital-first census. It’s easy to do and can be done on any device. You’ll get an access code from the Office for National Statistics through the post. Simply go online and enter the code into the Census 2021 website to get started.
If you haven't received your letter, or if you have misplaced it, you can request a new unique access code on the Census website. If you’re not confident or don’t want to complete online there’s no need to worry as you can request a paper questionnaire and return via post once completed.
Do I have to take part?
If you live in England and Wales, you must take part in the census. Census information helps inform how public funding is spent.
By taking around 10 minutes per person to fill in the census questionnaire, you will help make sure your community gets the services needed now and in the future.
You must complete the census by law
You must complete the census by law. If you do not, or if you supply false information, you could be fined up to £1,000. Some questions are clearly labelled as voluntary. It is not an offence if you do not answer these.
When should I fill in my census questionnaire?
Census Day was Sunday 21 March, but it’s not too late to take part. To start your census online, you will need your 16‑character access code that was sent to you in the post.
Your answers should be about the people who usually live in your household on this date – even if you’re filling it in afterwards. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let the Office for National Statistics (ONS) know.
While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations. Find out how they will keep your data safe.
Second homes, holiday lets and empty properties
If you own more than one property, you should complete a census form for your usual address as well as your other properties.
If you can't get the post from a property, you can complete the census online by requesting an access code for that address to be sent to you by text.
Further information on second homes, holiday lets and empty properties can be found on the Census website.
Do I have to take part?
If you live in England and Wales, you must take part in the census. Census information helps inform how public funding is spent.
By taking around 10 minutes per person to fill in the census questionnaire, you will help make sure your community gets the services needed now and in the future.
You must complete the census by law
You must complete the census by law. If you do not, or if you supply false information, you could be fined up to £1,000. Some questions are clearly labelled as voluntary. It is not an offence if you do not answer these.
When should I fill in my census questionnaire?
Census Day was Sunday 21 March, but it’s not too late to take part. To start your census online, you will need your 16‑character access code that was sent to you in the post.
Your answers should be about the people who usually live in your household on this date – even if you’re filling it in afterwards. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let the Office for National Statistics (ONS) know.
While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations. Find out how they will keep your data safe.
Second homes, holiday lets and empty properties
If you own more than one property, you should complete a census form for your usual address as well as your other properties.
If you can't get the post from a property, you can complete the census online by requesting an access code for that address to be sent to you by text.
Further information on second homes, holiday lets and empty properties can be found on the Census website.
Household visits
Census field officers are now visiting households which have not completed a census form. They will be encouraging people to complete the census and help you to access further help if you need it. Census officers will follow social distancing and COVID-safe guidelines and will:
- Carry an ID card with their photograph and name
- Have census leaflets and paper questionnaires with them
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Not call before 9am or after 8pm
- Never ask for money or bank details
- Never enter your home
Help and support
The ONS are aiming to make it easy for everyone to take part in Census 2021. But, if you need help, they’ve got it covered. They have an online help area, and can offer help by phone, webchat, e-mail, social media or text message. They also have guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats.
Our libraries will also be available to offer digital support over the phone & face to face appointments, if you need help to complete your Census online. Call to make an appointment:
- Ammanford: 01269 598360
- Carmarthen: 01267 224824
- Llanelli: 01554 744327
For further information, and to keep up to date, visit the Census website or call 0800 169 2021.
Household visits
Census field officers are now visiting households which have not completed a census form. They will be encouraging people to complete the census and help you to access further help if you need it. Census officers will follow social distancing and COVID-safe guidelines and will:
- Carry an ID card with their photograph and name
- Have census leaflets and paper questionnaires with them
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Not call before 9am or after 8pm
- Never ask for money or bank details
- Never enter your home
Help and support
The ONS are aiming to make it easy for everyone to take part in Census 2021. But, if you need help, they’ve got it covered. They have an online help area, and can offer help by phone, webchat, e-mail, social media or text message. They also have guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats.
Our libraries will also be available to offer digital support over the phone & face to face appointments, if you need help to complete your Census online. Call to make an appointment:
- Ammanford: 01269 598360
- Carmarthen: 01267 224824
- Llanelli: 01554 744327
For further information, and to keep up to date, visit the Census website or call 0800 169 2021.
