The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.
You can view any census data that is published on the Office for National Statistics website.
Since 1801, every ten years the Office for National Statistics sets aside one day for the census and a count of all people and households.
It is the most complete source of information about the population that we have.
The latest census was held on Sunday 27 March 2011
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.
Census day is March 21 2021. However, households will receive a letter in the post in early March, giving them details of how to take part in the mandatory survey. They will also receive a unique access code, inviting them to complete the survey online, although paper questionnaires are available on request.
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.
The census will take 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.
This year's census is being run predominantly online and is compatible with more assistive technologies including screen-readers, however paper forms are available for those who need them and there's plenty of support available for anyone who needs it.
Every household should have received a pack in the post containing instructions and a 16-digit access code that allows them to login.
A family member or volunteer can help anyone to complete their census with this access code and there's a range of help available online, through web chat, over the phone and in-person at Census Support Centres.
The census will take 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 smart phone.
If you're not confident or don't want to complete online there's no need to worry as you can request a paper questionnaire and return via post once completed.
Request a paper questionnaire by visiting Census - Census 2021 or calling 0800 876 6276.
Translation booklets are available to download below.
If your language is not represented, please contact the Census customer contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
The Census website has full language downloadable guides in 49 languages available.
Arabic - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.24MB]
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Czech - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.02MB]
English - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [809.37KB]
Gujarati - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.06MB]
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Persian (Farsi) - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.21MB]
Polish - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.17MB]
Romanian - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.11MB]
Slovakian - Helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.15MB]
Somali - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.14MB]
Urdu - helping everyone take part in Census 2021 [1.19MB]In consultation with ex-service organisations, it has been identified that veterans were poorly represented regarding funding and service provision.
The Census will help address this - making it count for Veterans!
If you have ever been issued an official Military identification number, you are classed as a Veteran.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is there to answer questions about the census and offer alternative formats - for example, a large print questionnaire pack or a braille guidance booklet.
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about alternative formats contact the ONS contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
Below are some helpline numbers and links to key resources on the census website:
Census Support Centres are available in most areas across England and Wales in community hubs such as your local library. Trained staff in these centres will be able to help you complete your census online where face to face support can be offered, or to complete your questionnaire over the phone. If you do not have internet access, you can find out where your nearest support centre is by calling their contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
People can ask a trusted person, such as a friend, family member or carer, for help with completing and returning their form.
There's a lot more information at Census - help.
After Census Day, Office for National Statistics (ONS) field staff might visit homes to give help and encouragement where people haven't filled in their forms. They'll wear ID and won't ask to come inside or see personal documents.
You could face prosecution, a hefty fine (up to £1000) and a criminal record.
Visit the Census website for more information
Millions of households across England and Wales have already made sure they count when it comes to planning and provision of the key services we all rely upon, like GP surgeries, school places and hospital beds, by filling out their online census form.
However, it is vital everyone who hasn't yet responded does so as soon as possible now Census Day, March 21, has been and gone.
Field officers are already out and about and will visit households who have not submitted their census this Easter weekend. The operation will reach its peak next week so more officers will be knocking at doors where our records show there has been no response.
Thousands of people like you are being hired in a range of exciting temporary roles to make census 2021 a success.
The census is a survey about all of us. We need your help and enthusiasm to encourage everyone in England and Wales to participate.
Whether you're saving up for something or you want to make a real difference to your community, there's a job for you.
View the census website and Search for a census job
Census 2021 is still going ahead as planned in England and Wales on 21 March 2021, even with the current COVID-19 situation and lockdown.
Wards are areas of the city that have been established for the purposes of administration and elections for local councillors.
Preston was made up of 22 wards until May 2019 where a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission took place. Preston is now made up of a total of 16 wards.
We have produced a census fact sheet for each of Preston's 22 wards. These fact sheets contain a summary of the 2011 census data and information about your neighbourhood.
The equality data hub provides demographic information such as age, sex and religion for the population of Preston and the surrounding areas.
All the data provided has been sourced from the Office of National Statistics, Census 2011.
We have provided this information to help council departments, partners and community groups further improve their understanding of community needs to help plan and deliver their services.
This will allow us to prioritise and focus on specific equality areas as we continue to provide services that are free from discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.
The infographics provide a demographic make-up of each ward within Preston. For example they will tell you how many people there are aged between 30-44, which is the most popular religion, and how many people are unemployed in that area.
For a summary of some of the most important economic, social and environmental factors in Preston please visit Lancashire County Council - District profile Preston.
We are committed to the Fairness agenda, promoting equality and cohesion, tackling inequalities and creating a harmonious society.
We also have a duty to protect people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society under the Equality Act 2010.
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