Peterborough residents still have time to complete census

Although census day was on Sunday, 21 March, it’s vital that everyone is counted to help understand their community’s needs and to plan and fund public services for the residents of Peterborough.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from Government. Personal census data is kept under lock and key for 100 years, and no individual or their responses can be identified in the statistics that are published. Government officials dealing with applications you’ve made or payments or services you receive cannot see it.

Census 2021 is a digital-first census, which means that people are being encouraged to respond online if they can. You can complete the census using any device, including your mobile phone or tablet. If you, or anyone you know, need help to complete the census then help is at hand.

A freephone contact centre is available with trained staff who can help you complete your questionnaire over the phone, provide information and guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats, including large print, or send a replacement access code for the online census. You can reach the contact centre at 0800 141 2021 (callers with hearing difficulties can use the NGT text relay profile 18001 before dialling).

A free language helpline offering support in over 50 languages is also available on 0800 587 2021.

There are also Census Support Centres operating in your area. You can ring for help and advice or make an appointment to visit and complete your questionnaire. You can find your nearest centre by going to https://census.gov.uk/help/find-a-census-support-centre and entering your postcode.

Because the information that the census gathers is so important, there is a legal requirement to take part. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you don’t participate or provide false information.

Census field officers are now visiting properties who have not yet completed a census questionnaire, their role is to signpost to support services. Census officers will always carry an ID card with their photograph and name and will only call between 9am and 8pm. Fines are issued by the courts, not by Census Field Officers - never pay any money to someone claiming to be a field officer, it will be a scam.

Adrian Chapman, service director for communities and partnerships at Peterborough City Council, said: “The census benefits us all by underpinning all the services every single one of us relies on. It provides information on our living arrangements, health, education and the jobs we do and the information from it will help inform policy at a local and national level for years to come.

“Everyone must complete the census, including non-British citizens. Even if you live away for part of the year, or you own a property that was empty on 21 March such as a holiday home or caravan, every household needs to be counted. If you know someone who is out of country temporarily, for example international students, then they must also take part either online, or by asking a trusted person to complete on their behalf.

“If you need help to complete the census, then please get in touch with your local Census Support Centre or the national helpline. Together we can make sure that everyone is counted.”

To find out more about the census go to https://census.gov.uk/