Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society

Households across Ceredigion 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.

It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: “The census helps us plan and fund important public services like education, health and social care, public protection and transport. It is therefore very important that everyone in Ceredigion takes part to ensure that our communities are well served. Getting the best possible response rate for the census will make sure that decisions are based on accurate, high-quality data, and reflect the needs of Ceredigion’s residents over the next ten years.”

Iain Bell, Deputy National Statistician for the Office of National Statistics. said: “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”

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.

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In Wales, households will also be asked a specific question about their Welsh language skills. And those who wish to complete the census in Welsh can do so both online and in paper form. There are “Cymraeg” and “English” buttons to switch between languages at any time online, and on paper you can use Welsh and English on the same form.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.