2021 Census first to be 'predominantly online'

Rochdale from Rooley Moor Road

2021 is the year of the census - and this year's will be the first to be run predominantly online.

The census has been carried out every 10 years since 1801, with the exception of 1941 when Britain was at war with Nazi Germany, and the Office for National Statistics have confirmed it will still be going ahead this year, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Households will receive a unique access code by post in early March, allowing you to complete the questionnaire on your computer, phone or tablet.

Information from the ‘digital-first’ census will help decide how services are planned and funded in the borough. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing, transport and more.

The census will include 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. Census 1921 will be available for research next year.

Paper questionnaires will be available on request.

Census day is Sunday 21 March but you can complete it online as soon as you get your code in the post.

Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics said: “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed.”

Council leader Allen Brett said it’s important everyone completes the census: “For the first time, residents will be encouraged to fill out their census questionnaire online but there will still be support available for anyone who needs help filling it in, including guidance over the phone, help in different languages and formats, local drop in locations and paper questionnaires. We will be supporting the delivery of Census2021 in the borough, making sure everyone has the help they need.”

The Office for National Statistics runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from government. Your details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous.