April Census Update
Tens of thousands of people across Test Valley & The New Forest 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.
Everyone is required by law to respond to the census and if you do so now you won’t be fined.
The census questionnaire is simple, straightforward, and safe to complete online. It only takes 10 minutes per person in a household.
The role of field officers is to give help and encouragement to those who have not yet filled in their census questionnaire online or on paper after Census Day and direct them to the support services they need.
Field staff will never need to enter people’s houses; they will always be socially distanced, be equipped with PPE and work in line with all government Guidance.
They will be operating in the same way as a postal or food delivery visit. They also carry ID to show they are genuinely working on the census.
The census is a unique survey of all households in England and Wales. To be truly representative, it needs everyone to be counted. That includes people with second homes, If you’ve not been to your caravan, holiday let or city commuter pad because of lockdown, you still need to complete a census for all your properties – even if there’s no-one there – so that we get an accurate picture of the entire housing stock.
If you need assistance to complete your Census, you can make an appointment with our local Census Support Centres, either over the phone or in person by calling 0300 555 1387 and someone will help you!