2021 National census to take place next month

Next month households across the borough of Rochdale will be asked to take part in the census - the nationwide survey of housing and the population.

Postcards are now being sent to every household letting people know how the latest ten-year survey will be conducted.

Then from 3 to 13 March residents will start receiving invitation packs in the post containing a unique access code that will enable them to fill in the survey online – on computer, phone or tablet.

The packs will also contain answers to common questions that people may have about the census as well as information about how to complete the census and access it in different languages and accessible formats, including a paper copy if you need one.

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 Office for National Statistics, which runs Census 2021, is working with Rochdale Borough Council to deliver a successful census and help local services to fully meet future needs.

Read more: 2021 Census first to be 'predominantly online'Published: 29 January 2021

 

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations. Census 1921 will be available for research next year.

In areas where lower online completion is expected, traditional paper questionnaires will be sent along with a pre-paid envelope so that they can be returned free of charge.

Census day is Sunday 21 March but you can complete it online as soon as you receive your code.

Although it is expected that most people will complete the census online there will still be support available for anyone who needs help filling it in, including guidance over the phone. Eight local drop in locations will be open providing free access to computers as well as trained staff available to provide assistance and answer questions.

Council leader Allen Brett said completing the census will be straightforward and quick: “A letter will be sent to you in March including a unique code so you can fill it in online. It will also provide contact details for if you need extra help.

“If you need a paper questionnaire you can ask for one but we are aiming to get over 70 per cent of responses online, with the remainder via telephone or paper. Once every ten years you are asked for basic information to help us better run society and provide the right support where it’s needed, so I think it’s a small ask really and I urge everyone to take part.

“Census 2021 will collect important information which will inform future public spending, helping to shape Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and the Pennines over the next decade.”

Find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/Census2021

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.