Everyone will benefit from Census 2021
Households across Worcester are asked to take part in Census 2021 this spring.
The census, run by the Office for National Statistics, is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every ten years since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central Government to organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services across England and Wales. Census outputs inform where billions of pounds of public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health – on cycle routes, schools and dental surgeries.
Information from the census is also important in helping lots of other people and organisations do their work.
Charities and voluntary organisations often use it as evidence to get funding. It helps businesses to understand their customers and, for example, decide where to open new shops. Plus, those doing research, like university students and people looking into their family history, use census data. It provides important information on population diversity, allowing organisations to know whether they are meeting their responsibilities and triggering action where necessary.
Census 2021 is the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.
Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at ONS, said: “The census provides a unique snapshot of our communities. It benefits everyone. Based on the information you give, it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GP’s and dentist’s services.
“No-one should miss out. Everyone can complete on online with a new search-as-you-type ability and paper forms for those who need them.”
Census day was on March 21, and households received letters with online codes explaining how they can take part. The census includes questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there is 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.
Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.
For more information and advice on how to answer the questions, visit census.gov.uk.
Census facts
At the time of the last census…
- 98,768 people lived in Worcester
- 35,901 people were married or in a registered same-sex civil partnership
- 1,195 of people were nurses or midwives
- There were 50 librarians and 72 conservation & environment professionals
- 3% of people (2,130) worked mainly at or from home while 7,937 walked to work
- Other than the UK, Poland (1,259 residents), Ireland (476) and Germany (456) were the top countries of birth
- The top languages (other than English or Welsh) spoken as a main language were Polish (spoken by 1,212 people), Portuguese (407 people) and Urdu (349 people)
- There were 145 different ethnicities
- There were 426 households with two or more families.
Census questions and answers
What is the census?
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. The information you give helps decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes.
It asks questions about you and your household to build a picture of all of us. It looks at who we are and how we live. There’s no other survey that gives as much information about our society and future needs.
When is it happening?
Census day was March 21. Households received a letter in the post in early March, giving them details of how to take part in the mandatory survey. They also received a unique access code, inviting them to complete the survey online, although paper questionnaires are available on request.
Why should I take part?
The census helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. The information it collects helps with decisions on the planning and funding of services in your area. This could include schools, doctors’ surgeries, emergency services or even local support groups.
Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities.
How long will it take?
The census takes around 10 minutes per person to complete. It’s easy to do and can be done on any device, including a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
What if I don't speak English or Welsh?
Translation booklets are available to download. If your language is not represented, please contact the customer contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
How can I get help to complete my questionnaire?
The help pages at census.gov.uk explain how you can get help. These include general guidance, language assistance and a wide range of accessible formats including video and audio guides (English and Welsh). You can also phone the contact centre on 0800 141 2021 or visit one of our support centres offering assistance.
Support for Polish, Portuguese, Romanian and Bulgarian speakers is available locally. To arrange, please email
What happens if I don't complete my questionnaire?
You could face prosecution, a hefty fine (up to £1000) and a criminal record.
Please visit census.gov.uk for more information, and any questions you have, about the census.
Can I complete the census after 21 March?
Yes, but your answers must relate to the people staying at your home on 21 March.