Census 2021 is here!

Over the next few weeks, communities up and down the country will be hearing more about the upcoming Census taking place on Sunday 21st March 2021 and seeing the national campaign across TV, radio and social media channels.

The census is for everyone, and there’s simply nothing else that gives so much detail about us and the society we live in. Not only does it tell us about the current and future needs of our population, but in many years to come will give future generations a snapshot of what it was like to live in the UK in 2021.

At a time where many local authorities, voluntary organisations and businesses are having to make tough decisions about services, it’s more important than ever that your needs are represented. The information gathered helps these and many other organisations plan for the future. For example, local governments use the information to help plan services, such as schools, hospitals and even rubbish collection in your area. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities. Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need.  That’s why it’s so important that everyone takes part.  The Census is so important that it’s compulsory for everyone in England and Wales.

Census 2021 will be “digital-first” meaning it will be mainly online, but there will also be a host of other support services to make sure the census is as accessible and inclusive as possible.  These will include paper copies on request, guidance and support in many languages and formats, help in local centres with trained staff and online access, and a contact centre for help over the phone.

For further information and help over the phone, or to find out where your local support centres are visit https://census.gov.uk/ or freephone 0800 141 2021

Some interesting facts from the Census

• In 2011, the census captured more than 94% of people in England and Wales.
• On Census Day in Croydon, the home of CPFC recorded 363,378 people with a split of 52% female and 48% male.
• In 1911, Suffragette Emily Wilding Davison hid overnight in a cupboard, in a crypt in the Houses of Parliament. Her protest aimed to give her residence on the form as the Houses of Parliament. In the end, she was counted twice, once in parliament and once by her landlady!
• In 1841, English romantic painter William Turner, rowed a boat into the centre of the Thames so he could not be counted as present at any property in that year’s census.