Published on Monday 22 March 2021
Sunday March 21 marked Census Day, the day that millions of people across England and Wales completed key questions about themselves and their households, to ensure local services in every community are informed by the best information possible.
For residents who have not yet submitted their online or paper questionnaires, or have misplaced their invitation letter, there is still time to get the census completed and there is help available.
"The information you provide needs to be about who usually lives in your household on Census Day, which was Sunday March 21, however if you’ve haven’t completed it yet, please do so – there’s still time to," the Office for National Statistics’ deputy national statistician Iain Bell said.
"Every household should have received their letter inviting them to take part and we’ve had a great response so far. If you haven't, or you have misplaced your letter, you can head online to www.census.gov.uk and request a new unique access code.
"There is plenty of help available, including face-to-face assistance at local Census Support Centres.
"Field officers will soon start calling at households who have not completed their census. They will follow social distancing and COVID-safe guidelines, supporting people to take part.
"They will be equipped with PPE and will never need to enter anyone’s home. They’ll be operating much like a postal or food delivery visit."
A genuine census official:
• will carry an ID card with their photograph and name
• will work through the day to make contact with residents but will not call before 09:00 or after 20:00
• will never ask for money or bank details
• will never need to enter someone’s home
• will have census leaflets and paper questionnaires with them.
If the householder is concerned about a visit from a census official, they can ring the contact centre for further advice: 0800 141 2021
If people do not complete their census, they may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000.
For more information, including how to find a local census support centre, please visit www.census.gov.uk