Nine out of ten households across England and Wales have now completed the Census

Nine out of ten households across England and Wales have completed their census questionnaire – but everyone must take part.

Published: Tuesday, 13th April 2021

Census Day (21 March 2021) has been and gone, but it is not too late for residents to fill out a form and avoid a fine.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS), working closely with organisations including Swindon Borough Council, has urged everyone to look out for reminder letters and fill out their census if they haven’t already done so.

The census questionnaire is simple, straightforward, and secure and only takes 10 minutes per person. All households were sent a letter in the post in early March with instructions for taking part. Anyone who has lost the letter or has a second address - including a caravan – that has not been visited can go to www.census.gov.uk to request an online completion code for each address.

Simon Phillips, Head of Data, Performance and Insight at Swindon Borough Council, said: “Swindon’s residents have done an excellent job of filling out the census so far. We urge those that are yet to complete it to do so as soon as they can, because this information really helps us get a good picture of the services Swindon needs and helps the community as a whole. There is plenty of support available in Swindon, and nationally, to help those who are struggling to complete their census form to enable everyone to take part.”

If you know someone who doesn't have the skills or confidence to do the census online, help is available. The local census support centre run by Voluntary Action Swindon is now able to offer face-to-face support through pre-booked appointments as well as over the phone. They can be contacted by emailing census@vas-swindon.org, calling 01793 466650 or on Twitter @VASwindon.

Residents can also call the ONS’s freephone national contact centre on 0800 141 2021 for help or to order a paper questionnaire. If anyone would like to organise a census completion event for a larger group, the Census Engagement Manager for Swindon can be contacted at philip.sooben10@field.census.gov.uk.

Census field officers are giving help and encouragement to those who have not yet filled in their census questionnaire and directing them to the support services they need. They will never need to enter people’s houses; they will always be socially distanced, be equipped with PPE and work in line with all government guidance, including regular COVID-19 tests. They also carry ID to show they are genuinely working on the census.

Further information about the census can be found at: www.census.gov.uk

ENDS 

Notes to editors:

Media contact:  Emma Pocock, Communications Lead – Campaigns, Swindon Borough Council | epocock@swindon.gov.uk | 07976 725149

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