The Census is a ten-yearly survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
This year for the first time the census will be run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.
Residents who are unable to complete the Census digitally will be supported by a phone helpline, a network of Census Support Centres or by ordering a paper Census.
Census day will be on Sunday March 21st 2021 with households across the country receiving letters with online codes from early March.
The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. 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.
Initial results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. Residents can be assured that the Census form is completely confidential and personal data is not shared until the Census is opened up 100 years later. On that subject Census 1921 will be available for research in 2021.
For more information visit census.gov.uk.
