When Brigg Blog received an online alert yesterday about the forthcoming 2021 UK Census, we wondered if it was going to tell us that the Coronavirus emergency meant a cancellation or postponement.
However, the link and attached information from North Lincolnshire Council indicated it's still all systems go.
Run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales.
It has been carried out every ten years since 1801, with the exception of 1941 - a dark period early in the Second World War.
North Lincolnshire Council explains: "Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central government to organisations such as councils and health authorities plan and fund public services across England and Wales.
"The results will inform where billions of pounds of public funding is spent on services including transport, education and health - on things like cycle routes, schools and dental surgeries.
"Information from the census is often used to help businesses understand their customers and, for example, decide where to open new shops.
"Those doing research, such as university students and people looking into their family history, also use census data.
"It provides important information on population diversity, allowing organisations to know whether they are meeting their responsibilities and triggering action where necessary."
Our location authority adds: "Census 2021 will be the first census to be run mostly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets."
Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the ONS, says: “The census provides a unique snapshot of our communities. It benefits everyone. Based on the information you give, it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GPs and dentist’s services.
“No-one should miss out. Everyone can complete online with a new search-as-you-type ability and paper forms for those who need them.”
Census day is Sunday, March 21 but households will receive letters beforehand with online codes explaining how to take part.
The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity.
And, 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.
Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years - "kept safe for future generations."
For more information and advice on how to answer the questions, visit the official Census 2021 website www.census.gov.uk
