Every 10 years, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out a census to find out more about the people who live in England and Wales and about the make-up of local neighbourhoods. The next census will take place on Sunday 21st March 2021.
The census is important because it allows central and local government, health authorities, charities and other organisations to target their resources more effectively and to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come.
I have been appointed by the ONS as the Census Engagement Manager for Cheshire West and Chester. My role is centred on building relationships and engaging with local communities to ensure that everyone can participate in the census and be counted. I am trying to reach out to those in our community who might, for various reasons, have barriers to participation in the census, to help to explain the purpose behind the census and to help them to take part.
As your parish/town council is the closest level of government to the residents in your community, I would like to ask for your help in communicating positive and helpful census messaging via your usual channels of communication – website, newsletter, facebook page – between now and the end of March.
I have attached a Councillor handbook which can be forwarded to local Councillors. Printed copies are available if you require them. This explains in more detail the role that local Councillors can play in helping to deliver a successful census. I have also taken the liberty of attaching a census logo and some copy that could be used on your website or social media to announce that the census is coming.
I would be delighted to provide you with more detailed copy if you would like to run, for example, an article in your parish magazine or newsletter about the census, to talk about the help that is available to those who need it or to try to dispel any concerns that residents might have regarding the security of their data. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your plans.
Thank you for your assistance.
Kind regards,
Graham Povey
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Graham Povey | Census Engagement Manager, Cheshire West Chester and Halton |
Office for National Statistics | +44 (0)7452 945781 |
Ready, steady, census
The decennial census is almost upon us.
Households across Cheshire West and Chester will soon be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
Information from the digital-first census will help decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes.
Households will receive a letter with a unique access code in the post, allowing them to complete their questionnaire online. Paper questionnaires will be available on request. Census day is March 21.
For more information, visit census.gov.uk.
Utkinton and Cotebrook Community Website 
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