Census 2021: FAQ

Published by: , on:

What is the Census

The census is a unique survey of all the people and households in England and Wales that happens every 10 years. It tells us what our needs are now and what they’re likely to be in the future. It also gives a snapshot of how we live, for future generations to look back on.

The information given by the public during the census helps local authorities plan and fund public services. Charity and voluntary organisations often use it as evidence to get funding. It helps businesses to understand us as customers. Plus, those doing research use the information.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) plans and runs the census in England and Wales. They report directly to the UK parliament, and do not work for any political parties.

Where can I find out more about the census?

You can visit the Census 2021 website at www.census.gov.uk where you will find out all about the census. When it’s time to complete your census, the ONS will add a link on the front page of the website that you can use to fill in your census questionnaire online.

Why should I take part in the census?

The information given by the public during the census helps local authorities fund public services. It informs where billions of pounds are spent. Charity and voluntary organisations often use it as evidence to get funding. It helps businesses to understand us as customers. Plus, those doing research use the information. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to do this.

In addition, if you live in England and Wales, you must fill in the census form by law or you could be fined up to £1,000.

Who should fill in the census?

The householder should fill in the census for the household. This is the person who owns or rents (or jointly owns or rents) the property, or the person who is responsible (or jointly responsible) for paying household bills and expenses.

If you’re the householder, you will have to answer a few questions about your household before moving on to questions about each individual. Anyone living in the household can fill in these questions on their own if they want to. You can also save the census and come back to finish it off later.

In addition, anyone included in a household who wants to keep their information private can complete an individual questionnaire. They can request an individual access code online or through the contact centre.

What do I need to do with the census questionnaire?

Census 2021 is a digital-first census. If you got a letter in the post with a 16-digit access code on it, you can use this code to log in on the Census 2021 website.

You will have to answer a few questions about your household before moving on to questions about each individual. Anyone living in the household can fill in these questions on their own if they want to. You can also save the questionnaire and come back to finish it off later.

The information you provide needs to be about who usually lives in the household on Census Day, Sunday 21 March 2021. You can submit your questionnaire on Census Day or as soon as possible after. If you need to, you can complete your questionnaire before 21 March. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let the ONS know.

In addition, anyone included in a household who wants to keep their information private can complete an individual questionnaire. They can request an individual access code online or through the contact centre. You can visit the Census 2021 website at www.census.gov.uk to request a paper version.

Who do I include in the census questionnaire?

You should answer the individual questions in the Household Questionnaire for:

  • anyone who lives with you permanently or counts your address as their family home
  • people temporarily away from home, for example students or schoolchildren boarding away
  • people staying with you temporarily if they live in the UK and have no other address
  • people staying with you temporarily from outside of the UK who are staying in the country for three months or more

There’s also a separate section to fill in on visitors – that is anyone staying with you overnight on Census Day: Sunday 21 March 2021.

What if I’m having trouble getting online to complete the census?

Census 2021 is a digital-first census, and we’d like to help you take part online. If you’re not confident online, or do not have a device, you can go to a local Census Support Centre. There you can get help to fill in the online questionnaire. You can visit the Census 2021 website at www.census.gov.uk to find your local Census Support Centre.

Alternatively, if you cannot fill in the questionnaire online, you can ask for a paper version.

I’ve lost my census letter. How do I get a new access code?

You can request a new access code to start a new census if you have lost or not received an access code. Visit the Census 2021 website at www.census.gov.uk and choose to receive your new access code by post or text.

Where can I get help with translations into another language for the census?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is offering support and guidance in a range of different languages. If you need help in a language other than English and Welsh, you can call the language helpline.

Will someone visit my home during Census 2021?

The census field operation, which follows up with people who haven’t yet completed their questionnaire and may need help, will be carried out without anyone ever needing to enter anyone’s home. All contacts with the public will be socially distanced and our field staff will be equipped with PPE in line with government guidance.

The ONS will be following the government’s safety guidelines about the coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the census period.

How will I know my data is safe with the census?

At the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we have a strict security regime that follows government standards. This includes physical and IT security measures to protect your data, covering people, processes and technology.

Publish census data is completely anonymous, with no personal information. Your personal census information is protected by law. It is a crime for anyone to share it.

Government departments dealing with any applications you’ve made, or any payments or services you receive, cannot see your census information. Private organisations and individuals such as landlords will not have access to your personal information.

Where can I get more help or advice about the census?

You can visit the census website at www.census.gov.uk to for advise on Census 2021.

When do I need to fill in my census?

Sunday 21 March 2021. The information you provide needs to be about who usually lives in the household on Census Day. You can submit your questionnaire on Census Day or as soon as possible after. If you need to, you can complete your questionnaire before 21 March. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let us know.

Can I fill in the census for someone else who needs help?

Yes, you’re allowed to complete a census for someone who’s asked for help. The person you’re helping will have a letter or a paper questionnaire. Both contain an access code, so you can complete online even if they have a paper version.

If you’re this person’s carer or you have lasting power of attorney, you have a responsibility to act in their best interest under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.