Census 2021

Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central government to local organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services across England and Wales. Census outputs inform where public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health – on cycle routes, schools and dental surgeries.

The census, taking place on 21 March 2021, will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing, ensuring the big decisions facing the country following the coronavirus pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible.

"The Census not only provides an up-to-date picture of Melton in 2021, it is also the evidence for planning for the next ten years." said Andy Howlett, ONS Census Engagement Manager for the Melton area, "The figures produced by the Census are the basis for providing everything from health services to education, planning to transport.  An accurate Census will ensure Melton gets a fair share for the next decade."

Edd de Coverly, Chief Executive of Melton Borough Council said: “The census is an extremely important national event. We will be able to learn valuable local information about the people and communities we serve. We will get essential data, which helps us to plan our services for the future and target resources in a responsive manner. The information provided helps decide how important local services are planned and funded such as schools, doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, libraries and bus routes. The census benefits all residents and gives us a better insight into our communities and their needs."

Martyn Bowen, Census Liason Manager for Melton Borough Council:“It is very important that everyone completes their census, with most of us doing this online.  As well as really helping with service planning, information from the census is also important in helping lots of other people and organisations do their work such as charities and voluntary organisations, who use the evidence to obtain funding. There’s assistance and help available to enable you to take part and complete the census, and there are also roles available for you to get involved in supporting the Census 2021. For more information we have a dedicated page on our website at www.melton.gov.uk/census2021”

Households will begin receiving letters with online codes in March explaining how they can complete their online census. People can also request a paper questionnaire if they’d prefer to complete the census that way.  In areas where lower online completion is expected, around 10% of households will receive a traditional paper form through the post.

There is plenty of help available, with people also able to complete the census over the phone with assistance from trained staff via the ONS’ free phone contact centre. The ONS also aims to provide in-person support to complete the census online through Census Support Centres where it is safe to do so.

The main census field operation will begin only after Census Day, contacting those who have not responded. Field staff will never need to enter people’s houses; they will always be socially distanced, wear PPE and work in line with all government guidance. They will be operating in the same way as a postal or food delivery visit.

Census 2021 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 in 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

For more information and advice on how to answer the questions, visit www.census.gov.uk.

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For more information please contact:

Name:  Martyn Bowen

Melton Borough Council Census Liason manager

Email: mbowen@melton.gov.uk