The Census is taking place in March 2021. It’s a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. It helps plan and fund public services, like transport, education and healthcare. Find out more below.

2021 is Census Year and Sunday 21^st March 2021 is Census Day.

What is the Census and why is it important? The Census takes place every 10 years, the last one was in 2011, and is a comprehensive survey giving the most detailed information about our society.  This information is then used to

• Shape policy
• Allocate resources
• Plan services which they will have to enter
• Monitor inequality

It is also informs policies on education, health, planning and transport.

COVID 19  underlines the importance of having the necessary data to understand the extent of the pandemic and help the authorities and NHS to better manage the consequences.

All information is anonymous and remains so for 100 years.

 A census has taken place every 10 years since 1801, the only exception was 1941 (for obvious reasons) and it has been mandatory since 1920.  2021 will be different as for the first time it will be digital first, although paper copies will be available. The focus will be in engaging with everyone, particularly with the hard to reach groups.  Help will be available to those that need it to complete the form online or you can request a paper copy.

 You will find some information on this site which will be regularly updated.  Also keep an eye on the Parish Council’s social media.

The Parish Council would encourage you to take part in this unique event.  If you have any concerns or questions please contact the Clerk on 07718 628925 (she is the Council’s GDPR registered Officer so any information will be treated with the utmost confidence.

 Don’t forget, your information will help shape the future for the next 10 years.

 For more information – visit www.census.gov.uk

Please use the links below to view and download further information including a general information leaflet and Frequently Asked Questions.

• Census 2021 General Information Leaflet (opens PDF)
• Census 2021 Frequently Asked Questions (opens PDF)
• Census 2021 - How to Get Help (opens PDF)

Did you know that the next census takes place on 21st March?

The census occurs every 10 years. It is compulsory for every household to complete the census, but there is lots of support available. The 2021 census is the first to be completed primarily online although some people will receive a paper form. Everyone can request a paper form if preferred.

This card will arrive week during commencing 22nd February and gives advanced notice about the census.

Did your postcard give you an access code to complete the census online?

This card will arrive during the week commencing 8th March and gives a code that enables people to complete the census online. It is possible to ring the helpline to request a paper form at this stage.

Did you know that you can complete the census online on a computer, tablet or smartphone?

If you are completing the census online you will receive a guide that includes contact numbers for help.It is quicker to complete the census online as you are not asked to read through questions that are not relevant to you.

Would you prefer to complete the census on a paper form?

When you start to receive the postcards you can request a paper form from the Contact Centre telephone number. You may also live in an area that will receive a paper form due to a poor internet signal.

Are you completing a paper census form?

There is a booklet to explain how to complete the census form and information about how you can receive help.

Did you know that there is a telephone helpline to answer questions about the census?
A telephone number will be available from 1st March

Would you like to complete the census by telephone?
You can complete the census by telephone by contacting the contact centre

Did you know that you can book an appointment at a Census Support Centre to get some help?
You will be able to complete your online census in 5 Census Support Centres in Warwickshire;- White Heart Community centre (Atherstone), Nuneaton & N.Warks Equestrian Centre (Nuneaton), Benn Partnership Centre (Rugby), Brunswick Hub (Warwick) & Henley Community Centre (Stratford-on-Avon). You will have to make an appointment to go there.

If you need some help do you think a member of your family or a friend could help?
In trials in 2019 children were able to help their grandparents complete the census online using their smartphones. If you provide your access code to a member of your family or a close friend they could complete the census online for you.

Were you unable to complete the census on 21st March?
Don’t worry, the census team will contact you to provide a few extra days for completion.

If your client has sight loss.
Large print instructions are available on the Census 2021 website. The telephone helpline will provide telephone capture of answers. The Census Support Centres will help you complete the census.

If your client has impaired hearing.
There are sign language videos and easy read booklets available on the Census 2021 website call centres will have a text relay service. The Census 2021 website will provide a Webchat facility.

Due to Government advice regarding Covid 19 it may be necessary to update this information before 21st March
For further information go to Census 2021
Or contact:

Isobel Pemberton
Census Engagement Manager - Office for National Statistics
North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth and Rugby
isobel.pemberton77@field.census.gov.uk - 07452 943162

Sally Bannister
Census Engagement Manager - Office for National Statistics
Stratford on Avon, Warwick & Leamington Spa
sally.bannister68@field.census.gov.uk - 07452 940469

A failure to gather accurate information on the forthcoming census will mean un-paid carers will remain unrecognised for the work they provide.

This in turn will lead to gaps in services and failure to support and provide for those supporting family or friends.

Census day is March 21.

This warning comes from the Office for National Statistics’ Community Engagement Manager Sally Bannister whose role in Warwickshire is to encourage all to complete the forthcoming census - a once-in-every-ten-years survey of England and Wales. Sally is urging people from all communities to respond to the national survey, arguing this is the one chance in a decade to ensure accurate information is available when it comes to funding services.

‘One of the questions on the census asks the person completing the form how many hours of un-paid care do they provide. This is a chance for them to highlight the hours they put in for care for a family member or a friend. Otherwise these hours of care provided go unnoticed.’ said Sally.
The census is a survey run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The information is used to shape services such as the provision of housing, education, healthcare, transport and services for mental health, families and the elderly. There are concerns that information from previous censuses have seen certain communities badly underrepresented in the published data.'

‘It is so important that every community gets involved – this an opportunity to ensure everyone is counted,’ says Sally.
‘If we have the right numbers, we can make sure people get the services they need. It is really important everyone understands why it is so important to take part, so that all communities have a voice.’
Some people are concerned that completing the census will mean government bodies will have access to their names and situation.
‘I need to reassure everyone that all information on the census form which would identify a person or family is kept locked away for 100 years. After 100 years, names are released for historians and people seeking information about their families. It is only the numbers from the census forms which are released. The census has been going for more than 200 years and has never had a data breach.’

Households should now be receiving notification through the post about the census. They will then receive a Unique Access Code to fill in their own questionnaire.

The ONS has made it easy to take part in the census. The questionnaire can be completed online on a computer, tablet or smart phone. Paper questionnaires can be requested. There is advice and support in many languages via the call centres.

However, a trusted friend, community worker, carer or family member can help fill out the census on behalf of someone else.
It is hoped Census2021 will be the most successful ever. For more information about the census go to: census.gov.uk Or call the Census helpline: 0800 141 2021.