Census Day was on Sunday (21st March) though many people had already completed their forms, online and on paper, across the country, and many more did so over the weekend. I don’t know precisely how many, nor the split between online and paper, and won’t get that level of detail but overall I’m confident it’s going well.
The Census Field Officers have now started working. They will be calling at people’s homes from whom we have not received a completed census. That should avoid anyone who completed theirs online on Census Day and if one is still in the post the officer will annotate the record and not call back until time has passed for that form to be received and processed. They will not be completing forms there and then with householders – I’ve previously mentioned that they will observe social distancing and never enter a house – but will be able to offer a wide range of support and advice, including arranging for replacement unique access codes, paper forms if they are needed and answering specific questions. They will also be able to point householders towards sources of help to actually complete the census with people who are struggling to do so themselves.
For those who need help and support there are a range of resources:-
- There’s the Census contact centre which can be contacted on 0800 141 2021 (or text via 86677) or 0800 587 2021 for those who need language support, Both are freephone numbers.
- There’s a lot of information at https://census.gov.uk/. There isn’t a search function but it is logically arranged and the guidance is very clear. I’ve been able to find answers to almost all my questions there.
- Text relay service: (08001) 0800 141 2021
- Census Support Centres. There are number situated in libraries within Adur, Worthing, Chichester and Arun districts, as well as one in Crawley, all currently operating on a booking system. Unfortunately there are none in either Horsham or Mid Sussex. You can find you nearest one via the Census website or by calling 0800 141 2021
And for those who aren’t sure why or how the Census is of benefit to all:
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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.
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