Today, 21 March, is Census Day: a day when a snapshot of households across England and Wales is captured. It’s our chance to be counted: census.gov.uk
The Census takes place every ten years and has done so since 1801, with the exception of 1941. The information that is gathered from the census helps a range of organisations plan for the future. Bristol City Council uses the information to help plan services, and anticipate the need for childcare, housing services, and skills training. Data from the last census in 2011 has even helped us to plan for our response to the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities, and charities use census information to help get the funding they need.
So its really important you fill your Census out to make sure there is a true representation of Bristol and people get the services needed. I can assure everyone that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is independent from the government, and all personal information is completely confidential for 100 years. The information you provide will not be used to identify you for things like benefits, immigration, your income, taxes, and housing. Neither your landlord or anyone else will be able to see any of your personal information either.
Bristol is a diverse city with many different ethnicities, languages spoken with newly arrived residents such as students who also need to be counted. Bristol City Council has been working with the ONS to make sure that everyone is aware of what the Census is and how it benefits everyone in Bristol. We have been reaching out to homeless people, minority groups, students and the digitally excluded to ensure that everyone has the chance to be counted. There is information on the Census in over 40 languages and local community engagement staff have been delivering presentations in Somali over Zoom. Our equalities team has been working in partnership with the ONS making sure information and support is available to as many Bristol people as possible.
Today is the day to be counted, you can fill yours in online or request a paper copy, it only takes around 10 minutes to complete. If you have lost your code, don’t worry you can request a new one.