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What the census is
The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census is unique. There’s simply nothing else that gives so much detail about us and the society we live in.
All kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to do this.
By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your community get the services needed now and in the future.
Past, present and future
The first census was in 1801 and the most recent in 2011. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England Wales and the next one will happen on Sunday 21 March 2021. To prepare for it, we held a census rehearsal in 2019 to check our processes, systems and services were running smoothly ahead of the real thing.
Between censuses
We also need your help between each census. At the ONS, we rely on ongoing surveys to provide detailed, up-to-date information about changes to society. To make sure that we represent everyone, we ask people to take part in these surveys. We carry out interviews in person, by phone or online.
These surveys do not stop while the census takes place. To find out more about the types of surveys we run throughout the year, visit the ONS website.
The census in Scotland and Northern Ireland
At the ONS, we’re responsible for planning and running the census for England and Wales.
Find out more about the censuses in Scotland and Northern Ireland from National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
+What the census is
+The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census is unique. There’s simply nothing else that gives so much detail about us and the society we live in.
+All kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to do this.
+By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your community get the services needed now and in the future.
+ +Past, present and future
+The first census was in 1801 and the most recent in 2011. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England Wales and the next one will happen on Sunday 21 March 2021. To prepare for it, we held a census rehearsal in 2019 to check our processes, systems and services were running smoothly ahead of the real thing.
+ +Between censuses
+We also need your help between each census. At the ONS, we rely on ongoing surveys to provide detailed, up-to-date information about changes to society. To make sure that we represent everyone, we ask people to take part in these surveys. We carry out interviews in person, by phone or online.
+These surveys do not stop while the census takes place. To find out more about the types of surveys we run throughout the year, visit the ONS website.
+ +The census in Scotland and Northern Ireland
+At the ONS, we’re responsible for planning and running the census for England and Wales.
+ +Find out more about the censuses in Scotland and Northern Ireland from National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
+It’s important you take part in the census. The information it gives has the power to make a real impact on our everyday lives.
The census is vital to all of us
The census helps us understand what our society needs now and what it’s likely to need in the future. The information it collects helps plan and fund services in your area. This could include transport, education and healthcare.
Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities.
Its success could help you
Census 2021 will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales.
A total of 94% of people took part in the last census, helping each area receive its share of public funding. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to provide the services you and your community need.
You must complete the census by law
You must complete the census by law. If you do not, or if you supply false information, you could be fined up to £1,000. Some questions are clearly labelled as voluntary. It is not an offence if you do not answer these.
It’s important you take part in the census. The information it gives has the power to make a real impact on our everyday lives.
+ +The census is vital to all of us
+The census helps us understand what our society needs now and what it’s likely to need in the future. The information it collects helps plan and fund services in your area. This could include transport, education and healthcare.
+Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities.
+ +Its success could help you
+Census 2021 will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales.
+A total of 94% of people took part in the last census, helping each area receive its share of public funding. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to provide the services you and your community need.
+ +You must complete the census by law
+You must complete the census by law. If you do not, or if you supply false information, you could be fined up to £1,000. Some questions are clearly labelled as voluntary. It is not an offence if you do not answer these.
+ +