Census 2021 fast approaching

January 27, 2021

Residents in Southend-on-Sea will soon be asked to take part in the national census 2021 survey, which will provide a snapshot of modern society in Southend-on-Sea.

The unique census survey takes place once every 10 years, giving the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. The survey has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

The census supports the local authorities and charities to put services and funding in areas that are most needed. It gives the most accurate and up to date snapshot of residents’ needs in Southend-on-Sea and the possibility of extra grant funding from the Government.

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, 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 on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. It will be the first census managed predominantly online, with households receiving a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones, or tablets. However, although online response is encouraged, everyone will have the option to complete a paper form if they wish.

Southend Adult Community College will be operating as a local Census Support Centre to assist residents in completing the survey. The college will be offering support from 1 March until 4 May 2021. If you or anyone you know needs assistance completing the census survey, advice is available from a trained census support advisor online or over the phone, you can also book an appointment to use a college computer. To find out more, please visit www.southend-adult.ac.uk or call 01702 445700.

There will also be a national contact centre, which can provide a range of different provisions from languages and accessible formats, including large print. Details for this contact centre can be found on your questionnaire pack.

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

Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, says: “I urge residents to take part in the census 2021. The data provided from the survey results gives the chance to make a real influence on our daily lives. The population count in each local area helps the Government to calculate the size of grants it allocates each council and information from the census will help the council to allocate funds to the areas and services that need it most.

“Charities also use census data to get information about the communities they are working in and help them get funding, businesses can use it to understand their customers’ needs and it can also support students on their research.

“Whilst the census is led nationally, we will be working with our local communities to encourage and enhance participation and work alongside the national campaign to raise awareness as census day in March 2021 approaches.”