Thank you for your ongoing support in relation to the 2021 Census, which is going ahead in England and Wales on 21 March 2021. We have built a flexible operation and continue to adapt our plans to ensure our staff and the public can be kept safe, and everyone can be counted.
There has never been a more important time to have a census. It will be fundamental to our understanding of the impact of coronavirus and EU Exit on local communities and provide the baseline for public policy and service planning as we chart our path out of the pandemic.
Every household in England and Wales will be informed by post from 22 February that the census is coming. In early March, they will then receive a letter inviting them to take part online and explaining how they can access support. We expect most people will choose and be able to respond online but in areas where the take-up of the online option is likely to be relatively low, households will receive a paper questionnaire.
Support will be available for those who need it. We will have a free phone contact centre that people can ring to get support including requesting paper questionnaires and completion over the phone where it is needed.
A national advertising campaign on traditional, as well as digital channels, will help ensure everyone knows how they can get the help they need. We will address specific populations to ensure communications reach communities through the most relevant media channels and using trusted voices. We have developed products to raise awareness of the census and explain the process in a wide range of languages. Language support, including translation, will be available through our language helpline.
The main census field operation will begin only after Census Day. The primary role of our field officers is to give help and encouragement to those who have not yet filled in their census questionnaire, and to direct them to the support services they need. Doorstep interactions will be very brief. Field staff will never enter people’s homes; they will be supplied with PPE, will be socially distanced and will work in line with all government guidance.
We will shortly be publishing information on the additional guidance we have adapted and tested to support respondents in answering Census 2021 questions in the context of the pandemic. This includes students and other respondents whose circumstances may have been impacted by the pandemic.
ONS will seek to ensure the longevity and utility of Census 2021 by supplementing census data with other sources of information, to enable the monitoring and reporting of changes in society and the economy beyond Census day 2021.
We understand that the pandemic continues to put great strain on your staff and resources. We are, therefore, greatly appreciative of the continuing support we are receiving from your teams.
If you have any questions, please contact our local authority partnerships team at 2021Census.LA.Liaison@ons.gov.uk. This note has been copied to your Census Liaison and Assistant Census Liaison Managers.
Yours sincerely, and with very best wishes in these challenging times.
 Pete Benton
Director of Census and Survey Operations
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