Every ten years the Office for National Statistics (ONS) sets aside one day for the census, which is an accurate count of the population at a single point in time.
The next census will take place on Sunday 27 March 2011.
Eastbourne Borough Council is working with the Office of National Statistics to prepare for the 2011 Census.
About the Census
The census is a count of all people and households in the England and Wales. It is a survey which asks questions about the people living within each household and looks at details such as age, work, health, education, national identity, marital status and religion.
It provides population statistics from a national to neighbourhood level for government, local authorities, business and communities to help to plan the services and resources people need, such as transport, housing, healthcare and education.
The amount of money that Eastbourne Borough Council has to spend on public services over the next ten years is directly influenced by population statistics from the census. That’s why it is so important that everyone takes part.
The census is carried out every ten years. The first census in England and Wales took place in 1801 to help plan for the future and has been carried out every ten years ever since (except in 1941 during the Second World War). The last census for England and Wales was held on 29 April 2001.
Taking part in the Census
Everyone must take part in the census so that the results show complete and accurate information about the local community. Every person living or staying in the household on census night must be included. It is the householder’s or joint householder’s responsibility to complete the questionnaire. There will be 56 questions in total and most can be answered simply by ticking a box.
In March 2011, you will receive a census questionnaire in the post. You can either complete and return this by post, or complete an online version of your questionnaire. The questionnaire should be completed on Sunday 27 March 2011.
For further information, please visit the Official 2011 Census website.
The 2011 Census Councillor Handbook can be downloaded below.
Job Vacancies
In preparation for the Census 2011, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will recruiting up to 35,000 staff from local communities. Many of the Census roles can be fitted around full-time employment or other commitments.
