Census 2021 arrives in Reading!
- Census information packs will start arriving through local residents' doors this week.
- There is a wide range of support available to help complete the census.
This week marks the official start of the census in Reading. Between 3rd - 12th March, all households across Reading will receive an information pack containing their unique 16-digit access code to complete the census online.
The Office for National Statistics is working with Reading Council and local partners to ensure as many people in Reading complete the census as possible.
The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a detailed picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. All kinds of organisations, from the Council to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare.
Anything you put in your census response is kept anonymous for 100 years and does not affect benefits or immigration status.
The census can be completed as soon as the pack is received, as long as you know where you will be on census day - 21st March. It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete for each person who lives there. If you can’t complete the census online then a paper version can be ordered.
There is a wide range of support available to help complete the census, whatever your needs. Services include:
- help for anyone over the phone - call 0800 141 2021
- online information and webchat at census.gov.uk
- online guidance and support in many languages or by calling the language helpline on 0800 587 2021
- a paper version of the questionnaire, if you prefer, can be ordered online or by calling 0800 141 2021
- accessible census guidance, for example, in braille, large print, BSL and easy-read
In Reading, we also have local Census Support Centres being run by Reading Voluntary Action and Communicare. Currently, due to Covid restrictions, they are only available to assist by telephone, but as restrictions change you should be able to visit them too. Anyone can call or email to make an appointment and they will talk you through the form as you complete it, whether you wish to do it online or have a paper version.
- To book an appointment at Communicare (East Reading) call 0118 926 3941 or email office@communicare.org.uk.
- To book an appointment at Reading Library (central Reading) call 0118 334 1095 or email census@rva.org.uk
- Current information about opening times and services is available on the census website here https://census.gov.uk/en/find-a-support-centre
Up-to-date information about Census 2021 in Reading can be found here:
Jeremy May, Census Engagement Manager, for Reading, said: "Census 2021 will be crucial in giving a snapshot of life in Reading during an unprecedented time. It’s vital that everyone completes the census so that we can plan the services required to rebuild our local economy and services after Covid-19."
Francesca Yates, Census Support Centre Manager, said: “We are delighted to now be open and able to offer a bespoke service for those who need extra help in completing their census. If either you or someone you know, needs support then please book an appointment with us."
Notes to editors
Media enquires should be direct to Jeremy May, Census Engagement Manager for Reading, on 07452 929194 or email Jeremy.May45@field.census.gov.uk
About Census 2021
Everyone benefits from the census. It informs decisions nationally and locally on vital services and issues like diversity. Ultimately it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GP’s and dentists’ services based on the information people give. We’ve made it easier for people to complete the census online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.
The next census will be held on 21st March 2021 in England and Wales and results will be available the following year. However personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.
About the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
The Office for National Statistics produces the numbers that matter most– on the economy and business, people, population and communities. Operating impartially and free of political control, we are mobilising the power of data to help Britain make better decisions and improve lives.