Time running out to complete Census

With Census packs arriving in the post, West Suffolk residents are being encouraged to complete their returns now, and to seek help if they encounter difficulty.

Census 2021 is designed to create a snapshot of the whole population of England and Wales on one day – Sunday, March 21.

The information gathered is used to make sure the services we need, such as education, health, transport and much more, can be provided.

Every household is being sent a pack with a secure code for going online and completing information about all those under that roof on Census Day.

This is the first time the Census is being run digitally, and paper copies and support are available on request.

Because of the scale of the exercise, the Office for National Statistics has despatched letters over two weeks, to ensure help centres and systems can deal with demand. Any requests for whatever reason for codes will be dealt with once all the letters have been sent.

John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “The information collected in the Census is fundamental to help provide the essential services we all need and it is therefore important to make it a success. We are supporting the Office for National Statistics by working with local communities to help remove any barriers that may prevent residents taking part. There is a national helpline and locally we also have a number you can call for a telephone appointment to help fill in the information required. (Help will also be available in different languages).”

All information obtained through the Census is subject to strict security measures. Names are removed and held in a vault that cannot be opened for 100 years, while the anonymous data is used to spot trends in the population to ensure the right services can be in place.

It is a legal obligation to complete the form. The survey is open until April, and those who do not take part will be followed up.

National helpline: 0800 141 2021.