All you need to know about Census 2021 in Wirral

Census day is on March 21, but households will now be receiving letters with online codes explaining how they can complete their forms.

If you don’t get one in the next couple of weeks, residents can get in touch with the census contact centre. You can also request a paper questionnaire if you’d prefer to complete your census that way.

Local census support centres will be open while the census is happening. Staff will offer help for people not confident online, who don’t have a computer or need help completing on paper.

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 Globe caught up with John Kenny, Census Engagement Manager for Wirral, to ask him questions.

John said: “As Census Day approaches many people are asking the same questions. We are making sure that the correct support and assistance is available to everyone who needs it.

“I am extremely grateful for the incredible support I have received in promoting the Census from the Local Authority, local support organisations, individuals and of course the Wirral Globe.

“Every one percent increase in completion results in 3,200 more Wirral people being counted and an increased allocation of funding resources. This makes a massive difference to planning and predicting needs for the Wirral.”

“It really is about us!”

Residents of all ages need to complete the Census

John has pulled together a comprehensive Q&A below, with everything you need to know.

What date is the census?

This years Census day is Sunday 21st March 2021

What is the Census?

Enshrined in law, the census is a count of all people and households in the UK, which takes place every 10 years.

It is the only exercise that provides a detailed snapshot of the whole population and is unique because everyone in the country answers the same questions about the same day.

People are asked about who was in their home overnight, as well as details of jobs, education and ethnic background.

The findings mean central and local government can use resources effectively for things like housing, education, health and transport.

What is the information used for?

Loads! Everyone benefits, millions of pounds are invested based on Census information!

The census is important to local authorities across England and Wales. It is also vital to the government and many other public sector organisations.

This is because it gives them the information they need to:

● develop policies

● plan and run services, such as schools, health services, roads and libraries

● decide how to allocate funds to make sure public funds get to where they are needed most

For example, census data showing how many people work in different jobs and industries are used to develop new job and training policies. Information on how people travel to work and how many cars they have contributes to planning roads and transport.

Lots of companies use census information to help them understand their customers. For example, a supermarket chain might use census population data to help decide where to open a new store.

Voluntary organisations often rely on census data to get information about the communities they are working in. They may also use census data as evidence to support any applications they make for funding.

Academics such as university professors often use census data to support research that they are working on. Students use the data in a similar way to get the information they need for coursework and dissertations.

We can all use old census records for researching our family history – they are released to the public 100 years after the census took place. The records provide a fantastic source of information we can use to find out more about our ancestors.

How long will it take to complete ?

It depends, a basic household using the online system should take about 30-40 minutes to complete. Paper forms a little longer.

Do I have to fill it in?

Yes, Everyone in England and Wales must complete their census or be included on a census for the place where they're living or staying. Please don't ignore the census. You can be prosecuted if you don't complete the census.

Do I have to fill it in on 21st March only? Can I fill it in early?

Please make sure you answer about your household as you expect it to be on Census Day, Sunday 21 March 2021.

This is so we can count the whole population on the same day.Yes, you can do it early, as long as you’re confident that the make-up of your household won’t change between when you fill it in and Census Day.

If you have responded before Census Day and things have changed, please contact us on 0800 141 2021

What if I'm away from home on census night?

If you’re away from home on Sunday 21 March 2021, you can fill in your household form before you go or as soon as you can afterwards. You can also use your access code to complete online while you're away.

Can I have a paper form?

Anyone who wants a paper form can have one. Ring 0800 141 2021 and we will arrange this.

Where can I get help and support?

• You can get help and support form our website www.census.co.uk
• You can ask a trusted friend of family member to help you complete the form
• You can ring our contact centre for help. Ringing us is free 0800 141 2021
• The contact centre has language support available too.
• You can visit a census support centre.(IF open!)
• Our field staff will be also available to assist after census day

How easy is it online?

Its easier online. You visit our website www.census.co.uk. You enter the code supplied in your letter. You fill in your details. You can save at any time and come back to the online form. It should take about 15- 20 minutes minutes to complete. When you have completed, click submit. Job done!

What options do I have to identify myself?

You can identify as you wish. No-one will be missed out. We have included many identifying groups but the free form option to put one that is not available is there too.

Why is it asking questions about sexual orientation and gender identity?

These are voluntary questions. Without robust data on the size of the LGBT population at a national and local level, decision-makers are operating in a vacuum, unaware of the extent and nature of disadvantage which LGBT people may be experiencing in terms of health, educational outcomes, employment and housing

How safe is the information I give?

The information you put on your census is only used for statistical purposes. Our statistics don't contain any information that will allow you to be identified.

We do not sell your personal information. It can only be seen by carefully vetted individuals who produce statistics or carry out statistical research for the public good. Outside these individuals, we do not share it with anyone.

It would be against the law and go against one of our most important principles: to protect the confidentiality of all.We’ll keep your actual census record secure for 100 years.

What about Covid?

The impact of coronavirus means it is more important than ever to conduct the census as planned on 21 March.

The majority of contact will be virtual. We expect 75% of the population will be returning without support.

We encourage everyone to complete the census online or remotely and they can use our support lines if needed.

If we do have to do follow up checks our field staff will follow all covid safety measures, social distancing etc. In addition our field staff will be tested twice a week. They will only visit if it is safe to do so.

When will we see the results?

We would expect to see the first Census information later this year with more detailed information available mid 2022

Enough of the boring stuff, any interesting facts?

• In the 2011 census the population of Wirral was 319,783 and was made up of approximately 52% females and 48% males. The average age of people was 41.
• 44.0% of people were married, 9.9% cohabited with a member of the opposite sex, 0.7% lived with a partner of the same sex, 26.6% were single and had never married or been in a registered same sex partnership, 10.3% were separated or divorced. There were 20,865 widowed people living on the Wirral.
• Wirral's population has grown from 7,223 in 1801 to 319,783 in 2011.
• In 2011, 909 Wirral people identified as a Jedi Knight and 24 Wirralians said they believed in Heavy Metal!

John added: "Massive thanks to Wirral Council who have arranged for both Wallasey Town Hall and Birkenhead Town hall to be lit up purple on Census day to promote and support the Census.

"I am also very please to report that Leasowe Lighthouse will also be lit up to celebrate the Census."

For more information and to find out how to get help, visit census.gov.uk or call the contact centre on 0800 141 2021.