Eastbourne residents encouraged to take part in once-in-a-decade survey

The census will ‘provide a snapshot of modern society’, according to Eastbourne Borough Council.

The survey is a once-in-a-decade occurrence that gives local authorities the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

It will be the first time it is run predominantly online. Households will receive 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 Office for National Statistics, said, “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed.

“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”

Census day will be on March 21 but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

The survey will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. For the first time there will also be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces and voluntary questions around sexual orientation and gender identity for those aged 16 and above.

Results will be available within 12 months and personal records will be locked away for hundreds of years for future generations.

For more information visit census.gov.uk.