Census of population - Help tomorrow take shape

What is the Census?
The census is carried out every ten years. The first census in England and Wales took place in 1801 to help plan for the future and has been carried out every ten years ever since (except in 1941 during the Second World War). In England and Wales the census is planned and carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Why is it done?
The census results help government and local authorities to plan the services and resources people need, such as transport, housing, health care and education. The amount of money the council has to spend on these important services over the next ten years is directly influenced by population statistics from the census. That’s why it is so important that everyone takes part.

When is the next census?
27 March 2011 is Census Day. The census is your chance to help shape your community for tomorrow. Personal information collected in the census is protected by law and is kept strictly confidential. The census can be completed online or on paper. The Census is your chance to make a difference to your local area. To find out more, visit www.census.gov.uk, or for working on the Census, visit www.censusjobs.co.uk, or follow one of the links in the resources.

Further information:

Census of Population
Resources