With 21 March just around the corner, Census 2021 is in full swing in North Somerset.
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.”
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.
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.
If you need help completing the census there are three Local Support Centres in North Somerset. The trained support centre staff can assist in completing the form online or on paper so anyone not connected or those who require a paper questionnaire can also get help from the centres.
Help is available by calling the support centres:
- Weston Library – 01934 426 010
- For All Healthy Living Centre Library – 01934 426 111
- North Somerset Training – 01934 425515 – face to face appointments are also available.
North Somerset libraries offer free WiFi and computer access by appointment. Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting your local library.
Did you know that if a person can’t complete their own census, someone they trust, like a family member or friend, can complete it for them? If you are completing the census for someone else, you will need their paper form, or the access code from their census letter.
To complete your census, and to find out how you can get help, visit census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.
