A host of national and local landmarks are lighting up purple this weekend to celebrate Census and its importance to communities.
Smeaton’s Tower in Plymouth is one of more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales to be part of the event, organised by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of census day tomorrow (March 21).
Blackpool Tower, Lincoln Cathedral, and the BT Tower in London are also lighting up for the celebration.
Census is a survey that happens every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.
The census helps inform the provision of public services throughout the UK, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to properly serve their communities.
Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, commented:
“The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital services we all rely on every single day within our communities.
“We wanted to shine a (purple!) light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to their local areas, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in.
“We’re thrilled with all the support we have received so far. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history”
Census 2021 will be key to making sure the big decisions on the future of our hospitals, schools, transport and other public services, following the pandemic and EU exit, are based on the best information possible both here in Cornwall and nationwide.
The digital-first census will not only provide a fresh picture of the size of all communities, it will also shed light on the health, social and economic changes to our lives.
“In light of the coronavirus pandemic, we need this up-to-date information to help shape vital services for the years to come more urgently than ever before, and we are making sure everyone can be safely counted in line with all government guidance,” said Cornwall cesus engagement manager Heidi Clemo.
“We have made it simple, straightforward and safe to take part. It takes just 10 minutes per person to fill out your form and if you can’t get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them, as well as lots of support. Now is the time to make your mark on history.”
Some questions on this year’s census have updated guidance to reflect our changed living and working circumstances since Covid-19.
Heidi added: “For those on furlough, we have updated guidance on how to answer questions on work. All students need to be included in the census, and they should complete it for their usual term-time address. If they’re currently living at their home address, they will need to be included in the census for that household too.”
For the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.
First results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. It is this aspect of the census which is an invaluable resource for historians.
In Cornwall, The Lost Gardens of Heligan is lighting up its garden walls. Its archivists have spoken about how important the 1891 and 1911 census documents were in piecing together stories of those who established the gardens near Mevagissey. The researchers are awaiting with anticipation the release of the 1921 census, and hope that even more fascinating personal histories will come to light.
Every household in England and Wales should now have received their census letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill in their census online. Census day is March 21, but you can fill yours in now if you’re confident there will be no change in who usually lives in your household. Paper forms are available for those who need it, plus a range of other support. If you need any help, or to request a paper form, you can visit our website www.census.gov.uk. Our census support centre (freephone 0800 141 2021 in England and 0800 169 2021 in Wales) is available if you can’t find the help you need online.