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Census 2021
Find out what the census is and why it's important to take part.
Census Day 2021 was Sunday 21 March.
By taking part, you help inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport.
The online census has now closed but you can still request a paper questionnaire via the census website.
Everyone should have the support they need to fill in the census.
Support available includes a contact centre that can give you help over the phone and guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats, including paper questionnaires and large print.
If you, or anyone you know, needs support, visit the help pages on the census website. You can also find out about the census support centres in the city.
Why it's important to take part in the census
The census is a unique survey that happens every 10 years. It gives us a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales – the most detailed information we have about our society.
It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire. Without the information you share, it’d be more difficult to understand your community’s needs and to plan and fund public services.
In one way or another, your information touches the lives of every single person living in England and Wales, whether it’s through using census information to plan new schools, doctors’ surgeries or bike lanes.
Because these things matter to us all, everyone needs to complete the census. Do not worry, government officials dealing with applications you’ve made or payments or services you receive cannot see it.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from government. Your details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous.