Census 2011
2011 Census: Sunday 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 2011, when ONS will be sending out questionnaires for around 25 million households to complete.
The census asks about work, health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, religion, marital status and so on. These statistics are then used to build a picture of today’s society.
Why should this matter?
Like all local authorities in England and Wales, West Somerset Council relies on census population statistics to get the government funding we need for public services. How much we get is directly related to how many and what kind of people the census says live in our area. So even if the census were to end up just a few households short, it could make a very real difference to people’s lives. The census needs to include everyone, everywhere – and that’s why everyone has to take part.
What do you need to do?
Simple. When the time comes, just answer a few questions about your self nad the people that 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 yoru personal information with any other government department or organisation.
You'll be able to do it online, or by post, bust you must do it. 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 is your chance to make a difference.