Households across Stockport will soon be asked to participate in Census 2021.
The once-in-a-decade survey provides the most accurate picture of households in England and Wales, and has been carried out every ten years since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
The 2021 Census will be the first that will be run mainly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.
Census day will be on 21 March, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.
The census will include 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.
Cllr Tom McGee, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, said:
I’m encouraging people to take part in this year’s Census. By getting involved, you can help provide a snapshot of modern society and help shape future decision making here in Stockport and across the country.”
Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said:
A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed.
“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”
Census results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.