The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The next census takes place on Sunday 21 March 2021.

Your answers to the census questions will help organisations make decisions on planning and funding public services in your area, including transport, education and healthcare.

Every household should complete the census on Sunday 21 March 2021 or as soon as possible after. If you’ve responded before 21 March and things have changed, you can let the ONS know by calling free. You can find the numbers on their contact page.

The census should take about 10 minutes for the household questions and 10 minutes per person.

How to complete the Census 

Each household will receive a letter with a link and a code for you to complete the census online. 2021 will be the first digital census.

Some households will be sent a full paper form – if you are sent a code, but cannot access the internet to complete the census, follow the step below.

You can request a paper census questionnaire to be sent in the post by clicking the link, or by calling 0800 1692021 and quoting the reference number on your letter.

If you haven’t received a letter – please click here to get another one sent out to you.

Please remember, you must complete the census by law or you could be fined up to £1,000.

If you need to answer separately from the people you live with, you can request an individual access code to start a separate census.