Stratford district residents reminded importance of filling out Census - The Stratford Observer

Stratford district residents reminded importance of filling out Census

Stratford Editorial 21st Feb, 2021   0

RESIDENTS in Stratford are being reminded to complete the Census form which will be available next month.

The Office for National Statistics has launched its national advertising campaign to highlight the once-in-every-ten-years survey of people and population in England and Wales.

The survey aims to understand the needs of communities, to help government and local organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services, as well as address inequalities people are experiencing.

Census data helps decide where public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health – on cycle routes, schools, hospitals, family and care services.




Census Engagement Manager for south Warwickshire Sally Bannister said: “Census 2021 will be crucial in giving a snapshot of life in the 21st Century and during these unprecedented times.

“Information from the Census makes a difference to the life of every single person in south Warwickshire – and the nation as a whole. Census data is used to plan things that are important in everyday lives for all our families – like maternity services, schools, apprenticeship schemes, care provision for the elderly, mental health support, housing, and new bike lanes.


“Because these things matter to all of us, everyone must complete the census. But all data is made anonymous and details which would identify a person is kept locked away for 100 years for historians and those searching details of family trees. So no personal or identifying details can be seen by government officials dealing with applications or payments or services you receive.”

Stratford District Council chief executive David Buckland stressed: “The Census provides the district with important information about its population, helping future funding in our communities and planning our services. It is vital that everyone takes part.”

Households will begin receiving letters with online codes in March explaining how they can complete their online Census. People can also request a paper questionnaire if preferable. In areas where lower online completion is expected, households will receive a traditional paper form through the post.

Census2021 will include questions about sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, 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 in 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years.

Visit census.gov.uk for more information.

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