Census Day is here

Published: 12 March 2021

With March 21 literally around the corner, Census 2021 is in full swing in Devon. The letters, with your unique access codes, 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 Office for National Statistics, 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 just 10 minutes per person to take part 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.”

Where it is safe to do so, local census support centres are open while the census is happening. Staff will offer help for people not confident online, who don’t have a computer or need help completing on paper.

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.

This census is the most inclusive yet. Everyone can identify as they wish using search as you type online and write-in options on paper if they need it.

The questionnaire includes 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.

To complete your census, and to find out how you can get help, please visit census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.

Help is available

• Website, webchat and guidance documents via www.census.gov.uk
• Free phone - 0800 141 2021 (England) / 0800 169 2021 (Wales)
• Free Language Helpline - 0800 587 2021 (to make an appointment)
• Census Support Centres - to find your nearest centre, call free on 0800 141 2021