WITH Census day today (Sunday, March 21), the process is in full swing across Bromsgrove, Rubery and south Birmingham.
All households across the area should have received their letters and unique household codes and many responses have already been sent in by residents.
People living in the UK are required by law to complete the census today or as soon as possible after. There is a risk of a £1,000 fine if not completed.
A completed questionnaire could be submitted before this date if it was known who would be in the household on that day.
Field officers are being sent out across the country (operating in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance) to contact those who have not responded. They will also offer help and advice to those who need it.
The questionnaire includes questions about age, sex, 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.
Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.
Iain Bell, Deputy National Statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said: “A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales.
“It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future.
“We’ve had a fantastic response so far, with so many of you completing the questionnaire on your laptops, phones and computers.
“If you can’t get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. Now is the time to make your mark on history.”
The census can be completed in paper format, online at www.census.gov.uk or by calling 0800 141 2021.
For more click the link above to see the ‘Introduction to the Census’ video.
