The census is coming. By taking part, you can help inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport. It’s easy to do your bit, you’ll be sent a letter with an access code, then visit the secure website and enter your access code to get started. If you can, offer help to family and friends who need support to fill in the form.

The census is a unique survey that happens every 10 years. It gives us a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales – the most detailed information we have about our society.

It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire. Without the information you share, it would be more difficult to understand your community’s needs and to plan and fund public services.

In one way or another, your information touches the lives of every single person living in England and Wales, whether it’s through using census information to plan new schools, doctors’ surgeries or bike lanes.

Because these things matter to us all, everyone needs to complete the census. Do not worry, government officials dealing with applications you’ve made or payments or services you receive cannot see it.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from government. Your details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous.

Census Day is Sunday 21 March 2021. You can fill yours in online as soon as you get your access code in the post. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let the ONS know.

Everyone should have the support they need to fill in the census. If you, or anyone you know, needs help, there’s a wide range of support services available.

These include a contact centre that can give you help over the phone and guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats, including paper questionnaires and large print.  If you need help or have any questions, visit Census 2021.

James Whiteman, Managing Director of Guildford Borough Council says: “Accurate data about our borough’s population is very important and affects the amount of money the council receives from central government.

We will do what we can, within the constraints of the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions, to help ensure that the 2021 Census is conducted safely and successfully across the borough.

It’s also interesting to note that the man credited with introducing the modern-day census was a former pupil of the Royal Grammar School. John Rickman attended the Guildford school between 1781 and 1785. He designed and managed the first four censuses from 1801 to 1821.”