Ready, steady, census
Households across West London will soon be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. It has been carried out every 10 years since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
Information from the digital-first census will help decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes.
Households will receive a letter with a unique access code in the post, allowing them to complete their questionnaire online. Paper questionnaires will be available on request. Census day is March 21.
For more information, visit census.gov.uk
We have complied some FAQs if you are unsure about anything
When should I fill in my census questionnaire?
- Census Day is Sunday 21 March, but you can fill yours in as soon as you get your access code 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 before then.
Do I have to take part?
- If you live in England and Wales, you must take part. It helps inform how billions of pounds of public funding is spent.
- It only takes 10 minutes per person to take part and will help make sure your community gets the services needed now and in the future.
How will the census make a difference?
- It is a once-in-a-decade chance to have your voice heard and help inform the future of your local area.
What if you do not identify with the census options?
- The census will ask you about your gender, ethnicity, religion, national identity and sexual orientation. It is up to you how you would like to answer each question. Do it in a way that you feel best represents you.
How is census data used?
- The Church of England uses census population figures at output area (OA) level to allocate funds to its 12,500 parishes and uses lower super output area (LSOA) level attribute data to make specific grants to parishes.
- Population is regarded as a good indicator of likely need for funding for individual parishes. See how census data helps with the planning and funding at the Church of England.
- The information you share is not used to influence benefit claims, a residency application, immigration status or your taxes.
If you are having trouble filling out your census, please visit Languages and accessibility – Census 2021 to access services such as
- Guidance and support in many languages and formats.
- Help over the phone, web chat or on social media.
- A paper version of the questionnaire if you prefer.
- Accessible census guidance, for example, in braille.
DISCLAIMER:
The Government will not use the information you share to identify you. Anonymous information is released ONLY (It is actually a crime to share personal census information)