Census day is nearly here

With March 21 just a few days away, the 2021 Census is in full swing in Bridgend County Borough.

Letters have been sent to residents with a code explaining how they can complete their form online, and some responses are already coming in.

Operating in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, field officers will be contacting those who have not responded and will offer help and advice to those who need it. They will also remind people that their census response is required by law.

The census, which is run by the Office for National Statistics, is a once-in-a-decade survey that will help local authorities and governments to decide how services are planned and funded in the future. This can include things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes. Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need and businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities.

It asks questions about you and your household to build a picture of us all. It looks at who we are and how we live. There’s no other survey that gives as much information about our society and future needs.

I would urge all residents to get involved on Census day – Sunday, March 21 – it takes just 10 minutes per person to take part and if you can’t get online, there are paper forms available. Now is the time to make your mark on history.

Bridgend County Borough Council Leader Huw David

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 many already completing the questionnaire on their laptops, phones and computers.”

The questionnaire includes questions about your sex, age, 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 about sexual orientation and gender identity.

In Wales, households will also be asked about their Welsh language skills. And those who wish to complete the census in Welsh can do so both online and in paper form.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

To complete your census, or to find out how to get help, visit the census website or call 0800 169 2021.