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CensusbriefingpackThis briefing pack is produced by Leeds City Council in February 2011

For more information contact Jacky Pruckner on 0113 247 6394

The Census is on 27 March

The next census takes place on 27 March.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for conducting the census .

In March they will be sending out questionnaires for around 25 million households in England and Wales to complete.

Why is the census important?The census is completed every ten years and is the largest piece of social research undertaken in the country.

It tells us how many people live where and provides valuable information on the make-up of local

communities, covering issues such as health, housing, employment, skills levels and transport.

It provides the basis for central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to target their resources and to plan housing, education, employment, health, transport and other services for years to come.

The number of people included in the census significantly affects the amount of funding given to each local area.

The Government allocates millions of pounds to local and health authorities on the basis of the census which is why we need to make sure that everyone is counted and Leeds gets it’s fair share of funding.

In 2001 only 91% of households in Leeds completed the Census. This is slightly below the national average. The ONS has identified a number of groups and communities that may be harder to reach.

Non-English speakersTraveller, Gypsy and Roma / Romani groupsLong and Short Term MigrantsAsylum seekersBangladeshi communityIllegal immigrantsBlack African communityHomeless people / rough sleepers

Black Caribbean community

Adults aged 80+

Indian community

People with physical / sensory impairments

Pakistani community

Students

Chinese community

Young people

HANDY LINK

The website of the Office for National Statistics has a huge amount of census

informationwww.census.gov.uk

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The 2011 Census will be conducted differently from all previous censuses, when ONS staff delivered and collected the forms.

This time, 95% of questionnaires will be delivered by Royal Mail and households can then choose to return their completed forms in a pre-paid envelope or to complete the census online.

Completing the census questionnaire is straightforward – most questions can be answered simply by ticking, or clicking,

in a box. Help and support is

available from online help at www.census.gov.uk and from 4 March there will be a helpline for people to call, and guides available in other languages, Braille, audio tape and other formats (telephone: 0300 02 01 101).

Completing the census is a legal requirement: the few people who don’t complete their census questionnaire may be prosecuted for breaking the law, could face a criminal record and may be fined up to £1,000.

Completing the census

ACCESSIBILITY

The census website is a great source

hearing, language, literacy and other difficulties

Personal census information is never shared with any other government department, nationally, regionally or locally.

The information that is collected is kept confidential by ONS and is protected by law. It is only used to provide aggregate statistics. The census is exempt from requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act.

OTHER LANGUAGES

There is a lot of material available in a variety of

languageshttp://2011.census.gov.uk/

Publicity-materials

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There are two ONS Area Managers for Leeds.

Chris Bennett: ONS Area Manager (Leeds North)D106@census.gov.uk07801 331320

Elaine Thornton: ONS Area Manager (Leeds South)D107@census.gov.uk 07801331322

The Council has nominated a liaison officer to work with them to raise awareness and to ensure that the 2011 Census is as comprehensive and inclusive as possible.

Jacky Pruckner: Council Assistant Census Liaison Managerjacky.pruckner@leeds.gov.uk

0113 2476394

Good contacts

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The following are just some ideas of ways in which you might be able to help promote the census.n Include articles about the census in any newsletters that you producen Display posters in your buildingn Incorporate information about the census in any meetings that you attendn Distribute this briefing

Get the word out

pack to any partner organisations that you think will be able to help

n Consider hosting a completion event if this is appropriate

Easy ways to good promotionStaffnewsFebruary 2011 MonthlyIssue 241 News

Got a story? Email communications@leeds.gov.uk

Staffnews February2011 MonthlyIssue 24

THE next census is on 27 March – it will have a big impact on Leeds City Council.

It is vital that any staff who live in Leeds complete and return their census form.

The census – done every 10 years throughout England and Wales – tells us how many people live where in Leeds.

It also tells us what types of people they are – for example, are they young, old, married or single?

This means decisions, like who in Leeds needs facilities in the future, are made with accurate, relevant details provided by the census.

Money is also a factor. The government allocates cash to local councils and health authorities based on the census findings.

The more local people who do the census correctly, the more money Leeds gets to benefit the local population.

For every 1,000 people who do not complete the census,

the city could lose an estimated £500,000 per year for the next 10 years.

So, not only do the census yourselves... tell your family and friends the importance to Leeds of doing the census too.

It’s simple to complete your census form. The questions are straightforward.

The census is on 27 March. For Leeds, like other cities, it can have an...

INCREDIBLE IMPACT

You can fill in the paper questionnaire and post it back with the pre-paid envelope.

Alternatively, for the first time, you can do it online at www.census.gov.uk from 4 March.

Either way, it should take each person about 10 minutes to do.

Help is at hand for those needing it. A home

visit could also be arranged.

Your census a n s w e r s are always confidential.

The 2011 Census is run

by the Office for National Statistics

(ONS). Leeds City Council is helping the ONS

with the census locally.

MORE NEXT MONTH

All the news on the census in the March editionIf you can't wait visit

www.census.org.uk

GET YOUR POSTERS HERE

The census website has a great store of posters to download and display

http://2011.census.gov.uk/Partners/Local-authorities/Comms-teams/Communications-toolkit/The-tools/Advertising-materials

Alternatively, click this item

For those involved in the Census, here are some legal points to consider.

n only ONS can deliver and collect census questionnaires

n only staff appointed by ONS to undertake the census can do this

n ONS staff will sign the

relevant declarations of confidentiality, etcn all questionnaires will be tracked using the ONS system prescribed by lawn anyone disclosing any personal census information is liable to prosecution and up to 2 years in prison

Key legal points

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Frequently asked questions1.What is the census?The census provides a high quality estimate of the population. It is a count of all people and households in England and Wales and is carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Everyone is asked the same questions on the same day in order to take a snapshot of the population at one point in time. The statistics describe the population at national, regional and local levels.

2. Why do we have a census?The information collected on the questionnaires is used to help government and local authorities plan the services and resources people need, such as transport, housing, healthcare and education. The amount of money your council has to spend on these important services is based on population statistics from the census. That is why it is so important that everyone takes part.

3. Who organises it?In England and Wales the census is planned and carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) takes the census in Northern Ireland and the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) takes the census in Scotland. All three take place on the same day to provide consistent population statistics for the whole of the UK.

4. How often does it take place?The first census took place in 1801 after demographer Thomas Malthus told how population growth would soon outstrip supplies of food and other resources, leading Britain into famine, disease and other disasters. People quickly began to see the need for a census, Parliament passed the Census Act in 1800 and the first official census of England and Wales was taken on 10 March 1801. Since then we have taken a census every ten years – except in 1941 during World War II).

HISTORY LESSON

Censushistory

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5. Is the UK the only country that has a census?No. Some 200 countries worldwide carry out regular censuses. The United Nations and European Union encourage all countries to collect census-type information.

6. When is the next census?Census day will be on 27 March 2011.

7. When will I get my 2011 Census questionnaire?Questionnaires will go out by post to all householders during March 2011 ready for completion before, on or as soon as possible after census day, 27 March. If you don’t receive one in the post, you will be able to call the census helpline and ask for one to be sent to you.

8. What will I have to do?You will need to complete the online version of your questionnaire or fill in the paper questionnaire and return it by post in the pre-paid envelope provided. You should complete and return your questionnaire before, on or as soon as possible after 27 March 2011: just make sure your answers refer to that date.

9. How long will it take?You will be able to answer most of the questions simply by clicking or ticking a box. It should take around 10 minutes for each person (less for children), plus an extra few minutes to answer the questions about the household.

10. By when should I return my completed questionnaire?You will be able to complete your 2011 Census questionnaire before, on or just after census day and submit or return it as soon as you have finished. Any delay could mean the organiser's* system will show you as a non-returning household, indicating the need for a visit from one of the Office for National Statistics census representatives. *The organiser is the Office for National Statistics

11. What will happen if I’m not at home on 27 March 2011?You should complete your questionnaire as soon as possible after 27 March 2011. Or do it before you go away if you’ve already received your questionnaire. If everyone in the household is away on census day you should complete your questionnaire as soon as possible after your return. If the household is absent for more than six months after census day, you do not need to complete the questionnaire. Anyone away from home for up to 12 months should still be included on your questionnaire.

ANY CONCERNS?What? When?

Why? How? The My Census website

section is a great store of information

http://2011.census.gov.uk/My-census

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12. Will I have to complete my questionnaire?Yes. Every householder must, by law, complete and return a 2011 Census questionnaire. A householder is the person who owns or rents the property and is wholly or partly responsible for paying household bills.

13. What happens if I don’t complete my questionnaire?You could face prosecution, a hefty fine (up to £1000) and a criminal record.

14. Will I be able to do it online?Yes. The 2011 Census will be the first time that you can complete your census questionnaire online. Your paper questionnaire will include an internet access code to enable you to do this securely. This service will be available from 4 March 2011. You may find online completion faster and more convenient. For example, the online questionnaire will automatically skip any questions that don’t apply to you and give you hints and tips along the way. You won’t have to complete everything in one go. You’ll be able to just save the answers you’ve given so far and come back to it later. You will need your internet access code each time you log into your online questionnaire, so don’t dispose of your paper copy until you have finished and submitted your questionnaire online.

15. How will you protect the information I provide online?The security of the 2011 Census website has been tested by independent experts. They have checked that the site complies with industry and government standards, protected from accidental or deliberate interference or misuse, and that we have effective measures in place to protect the confidentiality of personal data. You will not be able to complete your online questionnaire until you enter the unique internet access code from your paper questionnaire. This will act as a password (key) to make sure the right questionnaire is loaded. You will need to use your code every time you need to access your online questionnaire.

16. What should I do with my paper questionnaire after I’ve submitted my online questionnaire?You will be able to safely dispose of your paper questionnaire once you’ve submitted it. You should destroy and/or remove your name, address and internet access code on the front page, and then dispose of the rest of the questionnaire as you would any other personal document.

NATIONAL CONTACTS

Don't forget as well as Leeds's very own contacts, you can also get in touch with national organisershttp://2011.census.gov.

uk/Contact-us

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17.What questions will I have to answer?The Office for National Statistics ask about work, health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, religion, marital status and so on. All these things are important in capturing a true snapshot of the population as it stands on census day. You must answer all the questions. Only the religion question is voluntary.

18.What if I make a mistake?The Office for National Statistics will be providing many ways for you to get help if you have difficulty with any of the questions. The 2011 Census online questionnaire will make it easy to correct mistakes, and the paper questionnaire will explain how you should correct handwritten answers. If you have any problems, you can check online help or contact the census helpline.

19.Will everyone in the household have to complete the questionnaire?It will be the householder’s or joint householder’s responsibility to complete the questionnaire. The householder is the person who owns or rents the accommodation and/or is responsible for paying household bills and expenses.

20.Who should I include?Everyone living or staying in the household on census day must be included on your household questionnaire – even babies. You should also include any visitors staying with you overnight on census day.

21.What if I’m in halls, a residential home, a hotel or some other communal establishment on census day?If you have lived, or intend to live, for more than six months in a communal establishment, you will be given an individual questionnaire to complete by a manager or another member of staff. The 2011 Census is making special arrangements for universities and some types of communal establishments such as prisons and military camps.

22. What if I or someone else in the household has a disability that will make it difficult to complete the questionnaire?Ask a family member, friend or carer to help. The Office for National Statistics will be providing plenty of help to enable as many people as possible to complete their questionnaire independently. These include a British Sign Language (BSL) video, audio, Braille guidance booklet guides and large print questionnaires.

STUDENTS

http://2011.census.gov.uk/The-2011-Census-

student-campaign

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23. Would I be able to get someone from the census to come round and help me complete my questionnaire?Yes. But before you do that, you should check the accessibility guides, online completion and online help options first. If none of these is suitable, you should call the helpline to arrange a convenient time to visit.

24. What if a relative who usually lives with me is in hospital on census day? Could a nurse or carer do the questionnaire for them?If your relative has been in hospital for six months or more, they will be given an individual questionnaire to complete by someone in the hospital, such as a manager. If they are only temporarily in hospital (and will have been there for less than six months) you should include them on your household questionnaire. If needed, another member of the family, a friend, or member of hospital staff could complete the questionnaire on their behalf.

25. What if I don’t speak English?If English is not your main language you will be able to:n Download or request a translation booklet containing guidance and a sample questionnaire in any of more than 50 languages through online help at www.census.gov.uk. Online help is available from 4 March n Request a translation booklet or seek further help and advice through the census helpline, which opens 4 March.

26. How can I get help to complete my questionnaire?Plenty of help will be available if you have any questions or difficulty completing the questionnaire.n Online help at www.census.gov.uk n Census helpline in over 50 languages n Text Relay (for people with hearing impairment) n Wide range of tools and other materials to assist completion available online or via the census helpline n Video and audio guides at www.census.gov.uk With the exception of accessible formats (available from December 2010), all help services will be available from 4 March 2011.

27. What will happen to my information?Your answers will be turned into statistics about the community and groups within it. Personal census information is kept confidential for 100 years and is not shared with anyone else, including any other government bodies or departments.

ACCESSIBLE CENSUS

uk/The-accessible-census

AccuracyQuality and accuracy is of paramount importance to

the organisers, the ONShttp://2011.census.gov.uk/

Quality-and-coverage-surveys