2011 Census: 27 March 2011
Help tomorrow take shape
Every ten years the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out a Census to find out more about the people who live in England and Wales and about the make-up of local neighbourhoods.
The next Census will take place on Sunday 27 March. ONS will be sending out questionnaires for around 25 million households to complete, asking about work, health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, marital status and so on. The answers will be turned into statistics used to build a picture of today’s society.
What will you need to do?
Just answer a few questions about yourself and the people who share your household with you on Census day, 27 March 2011.
Whatever you tell the Census will be in strictest confidence and will only be used to produce statistics. ONS will not share your personal information with any other government department or organisation.
You’ll be able to do it online. Or by post. If you need help and advice, you will be able to find everything you need online and on the Census helpline from 4 March 2011.
The Census needs everyone to take part in helping tomorrow take shape – and this will be your chance to make a difference.
Help and information is available at
COLIN BARROW, LEADER OF WESTMINSTER COUNCIL:
“Census population statistics are really important in understanding people’s needs and making sure all communities get the services they need where they live.
It’s simple. If the census can’t see you, the organisations responsible for delivering the services you need won’t be able to see you either. This includes refuse collection, education, transport and health provision.
In discovering and understanding communities, the census makes a very real difference to people’s lives. The census needs to include everyone, everywhere – and that’s why its important that everyone takes part on March 27th.”
Census History
The first Census of Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) was conducted by John Rickman on 10 March 1801, revealing a total population count for England and Wales of 9.3 million.
In the 200 years that followed, the country experienced dramatic changes in society, battling through wars, social deprivation and industrial revolution under eight monarchs: George III, George IV, William IV, Victoria I, Edward VII, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II.
During the first 100 years of census taking, the population of England and Wales grew more than threefold, to around 32 million and a further 4.5 million or so in Scotland, where a separate Census has been carried out since 1861. By 2001, the population had grown to over 52 million.
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