Melton residents urged to respond to first Census in 10 years

Censuses have been held in the UK every decade since 1801 and give an important insight into how public funding is spent, as well as creating a social history document for future generations.

The Census will be completed online by most people and individuals will be asked questions about their sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity.

And, for the first time, residents will be quizzed over whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as being invited to answer voluntary questions, for those aged 16 and over, on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Census will shed light on the needs of different groups and communities, and the inequalities people are experiencing, ensuring the big decisions facing the country following the coronavirus pandemic and EU exit are based on the best information possible.

Andy Howlett, ONS Census engagement manager for the Melton area, said: “The Census not only provides an up to date picture of Melton in 2021, it is also the evidence for planning for the next 10 years.

“The figures produced by the Census are the basis for providing everything from health services to education, planning to transport.

“An accurate Census will ensure Melton gets a fair share for the next decade.”

The Office for National Statistics – which runs Census 2021 – is working with Melton Borough Council on this.

Edd de Covely, chief executive at the borough council, said: “We will be able to learn valuable local information about the people and communities we serve.

“We will get essential data, which helps us to plan our services for the future and target resources in a responsive manner.

“The information provided helps decide how important local services are planned and funded such as schools, doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, libraries and bus routes.

“The Census benefits all residents and gives us a better insight into our communities and their needs.”

Households will begin receiving letters with online codes next month, explaining how they can complete their online census.

People can also request a paper questionnaire if they’d prefer to complete the Census that way.

In areas where lower online completion is expected, around 10 per cent of households will receive a traditional paper form through the post.

Martyn Bowen, Census liason manager for Melton Borough Council, said: “It is very important that everyone completes their census, with most of us doing this online.

“As well as really helping with service planning, information from the census is also important in helping lots of other people and organisations do their work such as charities and voluntary organisations, who use the evidence to obtain funding.

“There’s assistance and help available to enable you to take part and complete the census, and there are also roles available for you to get involved in supporting the Census 2021.”

The main census field operation will begin only after Census Day, with representatives only contacting those who have not responded.

Field staff will never need to enter people’s houses - they will always be socially distanced, wear PPE and work in line with all government guidance.

They will be operating in the same way as a postal or food delivery visit.

Results of the Census will be available in 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, and kept safe for future generations.

Go to www.melton.gov.uk/census2021 for more information on how Census will be collated in the Melton borough.