The Census is undertaken every 10 years and provides vital information about residents and communities to inform planning and investment in services and infrastructure.
Census Day was 21 March, but there is still time to complete the Census and there is support locally and nationally for those who may have challenges, such as access to digital technology or who speak languages other than English.
International Newcastle is working with the Census team in the city to share information about the help and support that is available locally and nationally and to encourage all adults in the city to complete the Census.
What is census information used for?
In one way or another the census touches the lives of every single person living in England and Wales. Census information is used to plan for everything from building new homes, schools and doctors’ surgeries to investing in cycle lanes and public transport.
Without the information you share when you fill in the census it would be more difficult to understand the needs of our communities and to plan and fund public services.
The results from the census will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing, ensuring the big decisions facing the country following the pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible, through the anonymised answers provided. The Office for National Statistics will never share personal details and no-one, including government bodies, will be able to identify you in census statistics. Personal census records will be kept secure for 100 years, and only then can future generations view it.
How do I complete the census?
In early March, you should have received your census letter. It has an access code that you will need to fill in the form. If you don’t receive the letter or can’t find your access code you can get ask for a new one on the census website. When you’re ready go to www.census.gov.uk, click the ‘start census’ button, enter you’re access code and you’re ready to go. It should only take about 10 minutes to complete the census.
Who needs to fill in the census?
The census is about the things that matter to all of us. Everyone is required by law to complete the census – if you don’t you could be fined up to £1,000. The person or people who own or rent the house will need to fill in a few questions about the household. There are then some questions about each person who lives in the house. Each person can answer the individual questions if they want to. If someone in a household wants to keep their information private from others in the home they can request an individual access code so they can complete an individual questionnaire. You can do this at www.census.gov.uk.
You need to answer the individual questions in the Household Questionnaire for:
- anyone who lives with you permanently or counts your address as their family home
- people temporarily away from home, for example students or school children boarding away
- people staying with you temporarily if they live in the UK and have no other address
- people staying with you temporarily from outside of the UK who are staying in the country for three months or more
There is a separate section that needs to be filled in for visitors who are staying overnight in your house on Census Day.
When should I complete the census?
Census Day is on Sunday 21 March and the information you provide needs to be about that day. You can complete the census as soon as you receive your census letter and access code but if there are any changes before Census Day you will need to update your information. If you don’t complete the census on or before 21 March you will need to do it as soon as possible after the day but remember the information you provide must be about Census Day.
What if I can’t complete the census online?
Census 2021 is a digital-first census. If you’re not confident completing the census online you can get help using the contact details at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, if you can’t fill in the census online, you can still ask for a paper version. Information on how to do this is included in your census letter, as well as provided here.
Help to complete the census in Newcastle
There is a lot of support available for people who may find it difficult to complete the Census – due to having a different first language than English or a lack of access or ability to complete the Census online. This support is available nationally, as well as local face to face and phone support to complete the Census.
Community Advisors and Community Champions in Newcastle are working across the city as part of the Census team and will be visiting and contacting households who may be struggling to complete the online form.
Field officers will soon start calling at households who have not completed their census. They will follow social distancing and COVID-safe guidelines, supporting people to take part. They will be equipped with PPE and will never need to enter anyone’s home. They will be operating much like a postal or food delivery visit.
There are two Census Support Centres in Newcastle in the West End and East End, which can provide digital and language support for residents:
- JET Office: 81 Adelaide Terrace, Benwell, Newcastle NE4 8BB, Tel: 0191 2735761 email: lalit@jetnorth.org.uk Opening times and facilities: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, face to face support through booked appointments, or remote support by phone
- Building Futures East: Low Yard, White Street, Newcastle NE6 3JP Tel: 0101 2632752 email: info@buildingfutureseast.org Opening times and facilities: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, face to face support through booked appointments, or remote support by phone
Information and help in other languages
The Office for National Statistics has produced following information on the census in the other languages:
If you need to speak to someone in another language call the free language helpline on 0800 587 2021
Where else can I get help?
National helpline: If you need help or advice to complete the census you can also contact the Census Helpline
- Freephone 0800 141 2021 – Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 8am to 1pm
- Text 86677 – Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 8am to 1pm
- Webchat at www.census.gov.uk – Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 8am to 1pm
- Relay UK – dial 18001 followed by the freephone number
Find out more about the census
You can find out more about the census at www.census.gov.uk