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Census 2021 South Nottinghamshire Community Newsletter ***
Households across Ruddington are being asked to take part in Census 2021 this month, ahead of Census Day on the 21st of March. Invitation letters, with your unique access codes to complete the questionnaire online, will be delivered by Royal Mail at the start of March.
The census, run by the Office for National Statistics, is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every ten years since 1801, with the exception of 1941. This year it is being run predominantly online, however paper questionnaires are available to anyone who needs one.
Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central government to organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services across England and Wales. Census outputs inform where billions of pounds of public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health – on cycle routes, schools and dental surgeries.
Charities and voluntary organisations often use it as evidence to get funding. It helps businesses to understand their customers and, for example, decide where to open new shops. Plus, those doing research, like university students and people looking into their family history, use census data. It provides important information on population diversity, allowing organisations to know whether they are meeting their responsibilities and triggering action where necessary.
“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 the 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 borough to contact those who have not responded. They will offer help and advice to those who need it and being able to issue paper questionnaires if needed. 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 require a paper questionnaire, or for additional help with completing your census online, please visit census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.
Leia Morales
Census Engagement Manager Rushcliffe, Gedling and Broxtowe