27 March 2011
Census 2011
2011 Census – What do I need to do?
The next Census will take place on 27th March 2011. Every household in England and Wales needs to complete a questionnaire so that statistics about the population can be produced. Government money for health, police, councils and other public service providers is allocated according to the population of an area, so it is vital that everyone is counted. Questionnaires will be delivered from 7th March so look out for the purple logo, and complete and return the form as soon as you can.
Everyone living in your household on 27th March needs to be included on the questionnaire. All citizens have a duty to complete the census questionnaire. It is a legal requirement, and refusal to complete the questionnaire may result in prosecution and a fine.
You can choose to complete the questionnaire on-line or by hand. The questionnaire has enough room for six people. It takes only 10 minutes for each adult, and much less for each child. If you have more than 6 people in your household, request additional individual questionnaires from the website or telephone 0300 0201 101.
There is lots of help available. From 4th March you can telephone 0300 0201 101 to request guidance in over 50 languages and in accessible formats such as large print, Braille and British Sign language
You can request a personal visit from a Census Collector who will come to your home. The number for text relay for hard of hearing is 18001 0300 0201 160
The Census website contains lots of information about the Census at www.census.gov.uk
From 6th April Census Collectors will visit households that have not returned their questionnaire. They will carry identification. People who refuse to complete a census questionnaire will be investigated, and this may lead to prosecution and a fine.
More information about the census, and census events in your area can be found on the Bedford Borough website www.bedford.gov.uk. You can also contact the Census Area Manager, Jan Esson on 07801 331386 or email G106@census.gov.uk
Census questionnaire completion events
If you need help, want to ask questions, or want to complete your census questionnaire on-line, please come along to one of the completion events below. Check the Borough Council website for the latest information.
Monday 28th March at Kempston Library 11.00am to 4.00pm
Wednesday 30th March at Bedford Learning Centre, 88 High Street, Bedford 10.00am to 2.00pm
Saturday 2nd April at Bedford Learning Centre 9.00am to 1.00pm
Monday 4th April at Sandy Library 10.00am to 3.00pm
Wednesday 6th April at Bedford Learning Centre 1.00am to 2.00pm
Saturday 9th April at Bedford Learning Centre 9.00am to 1.00pm
Monday 11th April at Putnoe Library 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Wednesday 20th April at Putnoe Library 2.00pm to 5.00pm
REMEMBER TO BRING ALONG YOUR CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE
