Set aside a few minutes to complete the Census

2011 Census logo

This Sunday (27 March 2011) is Census Day, so whatever you plan to do, make sure you set aside a few minutes to complete your Census questionnaire.

If you do, you’ll avoid risking a £1,000 fine.

Returning your questionnaire to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is required by law and anyone that doesn’t do it could risk prosecution and a £1,000 fine.

The distinctive purple and white questionnaires have been posted to around 26 million households and ONS staff are on standby to start processing the information.

Executive Director at Rochdale Borough Council, Pam Smith, said: “The information provided in the Census helps us, as well as our public service partners, private sector businesses and the voluntary sector, plan for the future needs of the borough’s population. That’s why we need accurate information. We can only plan effectively if we know, for example, the age of our population, where they work, how they travel within and outside of the borough and the facilities they need. I urge everyone to complete the questionnaire on Sunday so we give ONS the detail they, and we, need.”

The ONS runs the Census every ten years. The questionnaire can be completed securely online via the Census website at www.census.gov.uk, or on paper and posted back in the pre-paid envelope.

The questionnaire gathers information about where people live and work and general lifestyle questions, helping provide information that can be used to help to build a profile of the economy and the facilities and services used and needed.

It only takes about ten minutes to complete the questionnaire for each person. The personal information provided, such as name and address, is not shared with other organisations; it is kept entirely confidential for 100 years and is protected by law.

There are events taking place locally for anyone that needs help to complete their questionnaire. Details are available on the council’s website at www.rochdale.gov.uk/census. People can also call the national helpline on 0300 0201 101 or go to www.census.gov.uk