by Wickhambrook Parish Clerk
The Census Engagement Manager for the West Suffolk area has asked us to communicate the following:
Census 2021 – it’s not too late!
While Sunday 21 March marked the day that millions of people across England and Wales completed their census returns, for those who have not yet submitted their online or paper questionnaires or have maybe misplaced their invitation letter, it’s not too late!
Staff and councillors are invited to spread the word among family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and people you work with that there is still time to complete the Census and that lots of help is available. This help is summarised below:
- Every household should have received their letter inviting them to take part. If anyone hasn’t, or has misplaced their letter, they can head online to www.census.gov.uk and request a new unique access code
- The Office for National Statistics have a national helpline 0800 141 2021. You can request paper questionnaires here.
- There is also a language helpline on 0800 587 2021 for those who need translation support.
- Field officers will soon start calling at households who have not completed their census. They will follow social distancing and COVID-safe guidelines, supporting people to take part. They will be equipped with PPE and will never need to enter anyone’s home. They’ll be operating much like a postal or food delivery visit.
- In West Suffolk, we have two Census Support Centres, based in Mildenhall and Brandon, offering phone support. They can be contacted on or 01493 745260
The results from the census will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing, ensuring the big decisions facing the country following the pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible, through the anonymised answers provided.
The ONS will never share personal details and no-one, including government bodies, will be able to identify you in census statistics. Personal census records will be kept secure for 100 years, and only then can future generations view it. If people do not complete their census, they may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000.
For more information, including how to find a local census support centre, please visit www.census.gov.uk