THE countdown to census day 2021 continues and Wirral's response is "in full swing", say its organisers.

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.

Census day is this Sunday (March 21) and households across Wirral have already started to complete the questionnaire online.

Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said: "A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales. 

"It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future.

"We've had a fantastic response so far, with so many of you completing the questionnaire on your laptops, phones and computers.

"It takes just 10 minutes per person to take part and if you can't get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them.

"Now is the time to make your mark on history."

Operating in line with the Government's latest Covid-19 guidance, field officers will be deployed across the country to contact those who have not responded.

They will offer help and advice to those who need it. They will also remind people that their census response is required by law.

The census has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

This census is the most inclusive yet. Everyone can identify as they wish using search as you type online and write-in options on paper if they need it.

The questionnaire includes 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.

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

Census facts  
At the time of the last census… 

  • 319,783 people lived in Wirral 
  • There were 68,763 dependent children 
  • 116,733 people said they were married or in a registered same-sex civil partnership 
  • 141 households used solid fuel (coal or wood) for central heating 
  • There were 1,830 primary and nursery education teaching professionals, 1,373 hairdressers and barbers, 985 chefs and 81 boat and ship builders and repairers. 
  • Nearly 60% of commuters drove a car or van to work 

Most asked questions about Census 2021

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?

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.

To complete your census, and to find out how you can get help, visit www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.