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Six months to go to the 2011 Census
The 2011 Census will be held on 27 March 2011 - now just six months away. For the first time you will be able to complete the census online. Alternatively, you will be able to fill in the paper version that will be posted to you. Find out what the census is, how to complete it and what's in it for you.
2011 Census – what is it?
A census has been held in the UK every ten years since 1801, except in 1941 when the country was at war
A census is a count of the population. By gathering information on who we are as a nation the government is better able to plan, fund and deliver the everyday services we all need – like housing, education, healthcare and transport.
For example, information provided by the census helps in planning for services such as:
- nursery places, after-school clubs, play schemes, parks, buses and lollipop people for local children
- transport links for the local population
- local healthcare - for example doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists
- affordable homes for people on low incomes
Whoever you are and wherever you live, the census provides local information which can help the government make sure there are enough of the right people around to help you - from pool lifeguards and youth workers to refuse collectors, paramedics, teachers, bus drivers, and more.
Completing the 2011 Census
The 2011 Census will ask you to answer questions about the people living or staying with you on 27 March 2011, even if you fill in your questionnaire before, on, or after that day.
For the first time you will be able to complete the census online. A paper questionnaire will be posted to you containing a code to enable you to complete online. Or you can fill it in by hand and post it back.
Whichever way you choose to complete the census questionnaire, you will need to send it back as soon as you have completed it.
If you are visually impaired or deaf, British Sign Language (BLS) video and audio assistance in English and Welsh will be available on the 2011 Census website. A multilingual telephone helpline will also be available.
