Peterborough residents reminded to fill in Census this weekend - or face a £1,000 fine

The census takes place every ten years, with this year’s count being digital first so as many people as possible are being asked to complete their entry online where this is possible.

Every household should have received a letter with details of how to complete the census and a unique access code to take part online. Some households will have received paper copies of the census form, if they have been defined by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) who run the census as living in an area which experiences high levels of digital exclusion.

Although census day is Sunday 21 March, you can complete your entry now. It’s important that we all take part as the information you share is used to plan and fund services in your local area, such as schools, affordable housing, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and bike lanes.

Councillor John Holdich OBE, Leader of Peterborough City Council, added: “We know that there are potentially thousands of people now living in Peterborough who weren’t counted in the last census in 2011.

"This makes it vitally important that we all take part to give the most up-to-date information about our local area and the needs of different groups and communities, as accurate census data helps us plan and develop our services. In many cases, it also helps determine the amount of funding we receive from the Government for things like education and improving and regenerating our city.

"Of course, it’s not just the Government and local authorities who rely on census data to plan and fund services. Many charities base their applications for funding on information provided by the census, as do businesses who use data about the population of an area to help decide where to locate new offices and branches which create local employment opportunities. Please take the time to take part and help make a difference to the area in which you live.”

If you aren’t able to fill in the form online, or need extra help, there is lots of support available.

The national contact centre can give help over the phone and provide guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats, including paper copies and large print. The helpline can be contacted on 0800 141 2021 - callers with hearing difficulties can use the NGT text relay profile (18001) before dialling. Anyone can request a paper copy of the census or request their own online access code. If you lose your access code, you can request a new one.

There are also two local Census Support Centres in Peterborough, which will be able to answer your queries and provide support in filling in your census form. These can be contacted at:

Gladstone District Community Association (GLADCA), 316-318 Gladstone Street, Peterborough, PE1 2BX. Telephone: 01733 566343 Email: [email protected]

Peterborough Asylum and Refugee Community Association (PARCA), Unity Hall, Northfield Road, Peterborough, PE1 3QH. Telephone: 01733 563420 Email: [email protected]

There is no need to worry about the privacy of data that you share as part of the census. All the information you give is protected by law and the census only ever publishes anonymous data, meaning that your household cannot be identified. The ONS doesn’t share the information provided with other Government departments or local authorities, it is simply used for statistical purposes. Past census records are only released after 100 years.

It is a legal requirement to complete the census, and you could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you do not participate or give false information.