Stand up and be counted

Look out for your census information pack

Households across Cheshire East are being asked to take part in Census 2021.

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

Census 2021 will be the first run predominantly online. Households will receive an information pack with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. Census Day is Sunday 21 March, but you can complete your survey once you have your online access code. There is no need to wait until Census Day.

If you don't receive an information pack with your individual access code by Sunday 14 March, please get in touch with the census contact centre. You can also request a paper questionnaire if you'd prefer to complete your census that way.

Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office of National Statistics (ONS), said: "The census provides a unique snapshot of our communities – it benefits everyone. Based on the information you give, it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GP's and dentist's services.

"No-one should miss out. Everyone can complete the census online with a new search-as-you-type ability and there are paper forms for those who need them."

Jane Burns, executive director of corporate services for Cheshire East Council, said: "Census Day is now only three weeks away. Information packs from the ONS will start to arrive over the next few days.

"Residents are able to complete their survey as soon as they receive their online code. In fact, I encourage people to do this as soon as possible, as we understand that in our increasingly busy lives, it is easy to get sidetracked. Thank you in advance for taking part. The information that you provide is critical to the way that we run your services."

To receive the census guidance in another language or to have your census in a different accessible format, such as large print or braille, visit census.gov.uk/help or call the ONS contact centre on 0800 141 2021.