2021 Census
In the News
Why is it that Government departments all assume that everyone in the Country has access to a computer or internet?
As a National Statistician you'd think Professor Sir Ian Diamond would think about this.
If you can't fill in the form on line you can request a paper copy at www etc or phone 0800 *** XXXX
I got a paper version today it's a nightmare would rather do it online dont know why I got paper one
I received my letter today had to phone my in laws to give them the number because they not received theirs yet and not long to do so ringing for paper form they old fashioned and like things done in pen
I'm gonna sound stupid but what is it for? I don't remember having to do one of these before
It's a Government requirement that is carried out every 10 years to record where everyone lives, what they do etc. The record is then sealed for 100 years.
Leannexxx This will tell you why it's carried out. https://census.gov.uk/about-the-census Anyone who does family research finds a Census a great source of information. They started in 1841, and from April next year you can view will be 1921 Census.
Leannexxx Information collected in the Census is used solely to produce statistics and for statistical research. These statistics will not reveal any personal information. The stats can be used straightaway.
The census records themselves that do contain personal information are kept confidential and not scheduled to be released to the public for 100 years
I don't think they are assuming that everyone has access to a computer, they're assuming that most people have and that those who haven't can ask someone who has to request a paper copy for them, and if they don't know anyone who has access to a computer, they can use a freephone number to request the form themselves.
No doubt there'll be other options for those who don't have access to a computer, know someone who can request a paper copy for them, or can't access a phone.
They might even supply flags with "I want to be counted!" emblazoned on them, to be hung out of the windows of the few not already catered for.
As long as the flags are biodegradable and ethically sourced then that should not be a problem.
I hate the census as I find that each year that add more and more intrusive questions about you. It should be optional not compulsory. I shall have to wait to see which new questions appear this time.
I haven't seen the 2021 Census yet but do know that any questions that in any way, might be considered "intrusive" are labelled as voluntary. It is not an offence if you do not answer them.
tumblespots I agree,i completed ours on monday and i was sat for around 30mins answering stupid questions about all of us in the house. They want to know the ins & outs of a fart!
Make sure you fill it out though as it can be a £1000 fine! Only reason i did ours.
I didn't find it particularly invasive and governments do need to know how many people are in the country, given the over population problem tumblespots. They need to know how to spend our taxes and what on but I don't believe everyone is truthful and I can't imagine illegal immigrants will be filling in a census form.
Lynibis You have hit the nail on the head there, some people will lie on their form so their answers will skew the results and the illegal immigrants don't get counted at all (they don't get the covid vaccine either!).
I did our form yesterday and I think that it would be surprising if anyone put that they are having visitors over to stay in this covid ridden world, when we aren't allowed to mix.
I answered truthfully but ignored all voluntary questions.
I think you've answered your own question ? Other options are available and they'll even send someone round to fill it in for you if you ask . Can't say fairer than that , Can you ?
So government departments don't assume everyone has a computer and the Professor has thought about it . Any other points you were trying to make ? Or was your question rhetorical ?
I find it annoying that they have sent us one in the post! The amount of paper being wasted when most people prefer to do it online is mad, should be some way to opt in/ opt out of the paper option
bethgriff and Golfforall blows my original comment out the water and one should never assume to be replaced with 'does one hand know what the other is doing'.
Have you seen this article
It's census weekend and you could face a huge fine if you don't do it
Back in 1921 many suffragettes camped out in Parliament and other public places to avoid declaring they were at their home address on the census date . All will be revealed in January next year (100 years on ) 
This census wants your life history 
I've done mine online but the rest of the family will do their own. 
Personally I don’t have any problem with the form. Every household had the initial letter delivered but it seems strange if people got the form to fill in by post if they didn’t ask for it. Data collected allows bodies to plan for schools, hospitals etc
Mine only took about 10 minutes to fill in. I did giggle though as i wondered how many other disabled Jedi's there are out there 
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
