What is the Census?
The census provides a high quality estimate of the population. It is a count of all people and households in England and Wales and is carried out by the Office for National Statistic (ONS). Everyone is asked the same questions on the same day to take a snapshot of the population at one point in time. The statistics describe the population at national, regional and local levels.
Why do we need a census?
The information collected on the questionnaires is used to help government and local authorities, including Wakefield Council, to plan the services and resources people need, such as transport, housing, healthcare and education. The amount of money Wakefield Council has to spend on these important services is based on population statistics from the census.
Who organises it?
In England and Wales the census is planned and carried out by ONS.
How often does it take place?
The first census took place in 1801 and since then we have had a census every 10 years - except in 1941 during World War II.
How can I contact the census team?
For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk or 'Contact Census' page in the related pages on the right
Is the UK the only country that has a census?
No. Some 200 countries worldwide carry out regular censuses.
When will I get my 2011 Census questionnaire?
Questionnaires will go out by post to all households during March 2011 ready for completion before, on or as soon as possible after census day, 27th March 2011. If you don't receive your questionnaire, please contact the census helpline and ask for one to be sent to you.
What will I have to do?
You will need to complete the paper version of the questionnaire and return it by post in the pre-paid envelope or complete the online version. You should return your questionnaire as soon as possible.
How long will it take?
You will be able to answer most of the questions simply by ticking or clicking a box. It should take around 10 minutes for each person (less for children), plus an extra few minutes to answer the questions about the household.
By when should I return my completed questionnaire?
You will be able to complete your 2011 Census questionnaire before, on or just after census day and submit or return it as soon as possible.
What will happen if I'm not at home on 27th March 2011?
You should complete your questionnaire as soon as possible after 27th March 2011, or do it before you go away if you have received your questionnaire.
Will I have to complete my questionnaire?
Yes. Every householder must, by law, complete and return the 2011 Census questionnaire. A householder is the person who owns or rents the property and is wholly or partly responsible for paying the household bills.
Do I have to complete a questionnaire for a second home / empty property?
Yes. Just complete the 'household' questions and return the form in the pre-paid envelope.
What will happen if I don't complete my questionnaire?
You could face prosecution, a hefty fine (up to £1,000) and a criminal record.
Will I be able to do it online?
Yes. The 2011 Census will be the first time that you can complete your census questionnaire online. Your paper questionnaire will include an internet access code to enable you to do it securely. The service will be available from 4th March 2011. Online completion may be faster and more convenient and you will be able to save your answers and come back to the questionnaire at a later date. You will need your internet access code each time you log into your online questionnaire, so don't dispose of your paper copy until you've finished and submitted your questionnaire online.
How will the information provided online be protected?
The security of the 2011 Census website has been tested by independent experts and they have checked that the site complies with industry and government standards, protected from accidental or deliberate interference or misuse, and that ONS have effective measures in place to protect the confidentiality of personal data. You will not be able to complete your questionnaire online without your internet access code.
What do I do with my paper questionnaire after I've submitted my online questionnaire?
You will be able to dispose of your questionnaire once you've submitted it. You should destroy and / or remove your name, address and internet access code on the front page and then dispose of the rest of the questionnaire as you would any other personal documentation.
What questions do I need to answer?
ONS ask about work (don't forget you will need to know your place of works postcode), health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, religion, marital status and so on. You must answer all the questions. Only the religion question is voluntary.
What if I make a mistake?
ONS will be providing many ways to help if you have difficulty with any of the questions. The online questionnaire will make it easy to correct any mistakes and the paper questionnaire will explain how to correct any handwritten answers.
Will everyone in the household have to complete the questionnaire?
It will be the householder's or joint householder's responsibility to complete the questionnaire.
Who should I include?
Everyone living or staying in the household on census day must be included on your household questionnaire - even babies. You should include any visitors that are staying with you overnight on census day.
What if I'm in halls, a residential home, a hotel or some other communal establishment on census day?
If you have lived, or intend to live, for more than 6 months in a communal establishment, you will be given an individual questionnaire to complete by a manager or other member of staff. The 2011 Census is making special arrangements for universities and some types of communal establishments such as prisons and military camps.
What if I or someone else in the household has a disability that will make it difficult to complete the questionnaire?
Ask a family member, friend or carer to help out. ONS will be providing plenty of help to enable as many people as possible to complete their questionnaire independently. These include a BSL video, audio, Braille guidance booklet and large print questionnaires.
Would I be able to get someone from census to come round and help me complete my questionnaire?
Yes. But before you do that, you should check the accessibility guides, online completion and online help options first. If none of these are suitable, you should contact the helpline after the 4th March 2011 to arrange a convenient time to visit.
How can I get help to complete my questionnaire?
Plenty of help will be available if you have difficulties or questions with regard your questionnaire:
- Online help at www.census.gov.uk
- Census helpline in over 50 languages
- Text Relay (for people with hearing impairment)
- Wide range of tools and other materials to assist with completion
- Video and audio guides at www.census.gov.uk
What if I don't speak English or Welsh?
If English or Welsh is not your main language you will be able to download or request a translation booklet containing guidance and a sample questionnaire in any of more than 50 languages through online help at www.census.gov.uk.
What will happen to my information?
Your answers will be turned into statistics about the community and groups within it. Personal census information is kept confidential for 100 years and is not shared with any government departments or with Wakefield Council.
Page last updated: 14th March 2011
