Introduction
Households across Fylde 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. Paper census forms are also available by request.
The census will include a variety of questions including a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over.
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 https://census.gov.uk.
For a detailed breakdown of how to fill in the Census 2021 questionnaire click here.
The letters, with unique access codes will be sent out. 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.
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 out test areas, 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.
Operating in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, field officers will be deployed across the country to contact those who have not responded. They will offer help and advice to those who need it. They will also remind people that their census response is required by law.
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.
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.
At the time of the last census:
- 75,757 people lived in Fylde, with 32,568 married or in a same-sex civil partnership
- Germany was the top country of birth other than the UK, while Polish was the most common main language spoken other than English or Welsh
- There were 29 households with 8 or more people
- There were 431 waiters and waitresses, 60 actors, entertainers and presenters, and 15 leisure and theme park attendants
- 22,274 drove a car or van to work (64% of the working population)
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. The information you give helps decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes.
It asks questions about you and your household to build a picture of all of us. It looks at who we are and how we live. There’s no other survey that gives as much information about our society and future needs.
When is it happening?
Census day is March 21. However, households will receive a letter in the post in early March, giving them details of how to take part in the mandatory survey. They will also receive a unique access code, inviting them to complete the survey online, although paper questionnaires are available on request.
Why should I take part?
The census helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. The information it collects helps with decisions on the planning and funding of services in your area. This could include schools, doctors’ surgeries, emergency services or even local support groups.
Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities.
How long will it take?
The census will take around 10 minutes per person to complete. It’s easy to do and can be done on any device, including a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
What if I don’t speak English or Welsh?
Translation booklets are available to download. If your language is not represented, please contact the customer contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
How can I get help to complete my questionnaire? The help pages at census.gov.uk explain how you can get help. These include general guidance, language assistance and a wide range of accessible formats including video and audio guides (English and Welsh). You can also phone the contact centre on 0800 141 2021 or visit one of our support centres offering assistance.
What happens if I don’t complete my questionnaire?
You could face prosecution, a hefty fine (up to £1000) and a criminal record.
Please visit census.gov.uk for more information, and any questions you have, about the census
