The 2021 census is coming
Households across Tameside will soon be 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.
The next one will take place on
Sunday 21st March 2021. Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.
For help completing the census, please contact our support service by calling 0161 342 2031.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) organises the census in partnership with local authorities, including Tameside Council.
More information:
www.census.gov.uk/
Why is census data collected?
Information from the census will help decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing, and new bus routes. By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your community get the services needed now and in the future.
Moving the census online
Census 2021 will be different as it is the first census to be mainly online. It’s easy to complete the census online; you will be able to complete the census using your computer, phone, or tablet. There will be more information nearer the time to show you how to complete it and other support will be available.
Paper questionnaires are available for everyone on request.
ONS will also have guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats.
You must complete the census by law
You must complete the census by law. If you do not, or if you supply false information, you could be fined up to £1,000. Some questions will be clearly labelled as optional: it is not an offence if you do not answer these.
More information on the 2021 Census can be found on the
Office for National Statistics website.
How long will it take?
The census will take around 10 minutes per person to complete. It’s easy to do and can be done on any device, including a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
What if I don't speak English or Welsh?
Translation booklets are available to download. If your language is not represented, please contact the customer contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
How can I get help to complete my questionnaire?
You can get help completing the census by calling our support service on 0161 342 2031, where you can reserve some time on a PC in one of the borough’s libraries or book an appointment with one of our census advisers to fill it out with you. Currently these appointments are taking place over the phone, but we will be able to offer in-person support as coronavirus restrictions ease.
The census support service is taking place in six libraries across the borough:
- Ashton
- Stalybridge
- Hyde
- Hattersley
- Denton
- Droylsden
The help pages at
census.gov.uk explain how you can get help. These include general guidance, language assistance and a wide range of accessible formats including video and audio guides (English and Welsh). You can also phone the contact centre on 0800 141 2021 or visit one of our support centres offering assistance.
How the ONS keeps your data safe
The safety of your information is our top priority at the Office for National Statistics. No one can identify you in the census statistics we publish. We make sure they contain none of your personal information. Your census record is kept secure for 100 years and only then can future generations see it.
The ONS do not sell your personal information. Everyone working on the census signs the Census Confidentiality Undertaking. It’s a crime for them to unlawfully share personal census information. This includes people working for the census offices and for our suppliers.
The ONS have strict security procedures that follow government standards. This includes physical and IT security measures to protect your data.
Laws in place that cover protection of your data include the:
- Data Protection Act 2018
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Census Act 1920
- Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007
To find out more about how ONS keep your information safe, please
visit the ONS website.