Census 2021

About the Census

The Census takes place every ten years, and the next Census will take place on Sunday 21 March 2021. Conducted by the Office for National Statistics, the Census is the largest collection of information on the general population that exists. The Census aims to collect information from every UK resident, and every household will receive details on how to complete the form online or via a paper form in the coming months.

The Census covers many topics such as age, country of birth, distance travelled to work, employment, ethnicity, health, industry, language and lots more besides. It is a rich source of data for public sector organisations and others to help them make decisions on planning of services, develop strategies and decide on policies for the future – providing an evidence base to make sound decisions.

Our work supporting the Census

GMCA are working with the Greater Manchester local authorities to make this Census a success. Links are being made with the local Census Engagement Managers (CEMs) to assist in focussed action locally to maximise response rates. Regular meetings are being held with officers in the districts. Promotion work is starting so more are aware the Census is getting closer and we are in contact with the Census team at ONS attending their Census planning meetings.

We will also start to promote the Census through our relevant channels, and links to job opportunities working on the Census are advertised on greater.jobs (external website, opens in new tab).

The ONS will start to publish the key statistical outputs from the Census in Spring 2022. More detailed outputs will then be released by ONS in the period from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023. As the results are released, GMCA will publish more analysis of the statistics for you to download from this web page in the form of maps, charts, tables and reports. At first these will focus on the key demographics of the population and then will be focussed on topic themes as the detailed outputs become available.

If you need help completing your Census form when it arrives in March 2021 or have not received a Census form by 21 March 2021 then visit: www.census.gov.uk/help (external website) or ring the Census Contact Centre on 0800 141 2021. The language helpline is: 0800 587 2021

How to take part

For the first time ever, we will be able to complete the Census online. Households across Greater Manchester will receive information through their letterbox about how to do this. This will include a unique access code, allowing you to complete the questionnaire on your computer, phone or tablet.

Census Day takes place on Sunday 21 March 2021. You can complete the Census as soon as you receive your pack – you don’t have to wait until the 21 March.

It’s crucial that all residents and households are counted, and extensive support is available for people who are unable, or would prefer not to complete it online.

Paper questionnaires are available for anyone who wants one and they can be requested by:

Calling the free phone number 0800 141 2021
Visiting the ONS website – Request a paper questionnaire

You can also request a paper version in large print, Braille and other languages.

Census staff are also available to carry out the Census over the phone, and using translators:

Appointments can be booked by calling the free phone number 0800 141 2021
Translators can be booked by calling the free phone number 0800 587 2021
Relay UK users dial 18001 followed by the phone number you need

Additional support and information:

Online: visit the ONS website – About the Census
By phone: call the free phone support centre 0800 141 2021
In person: Census Support Centres have been set up in local community venues where staff will be able to help answer general census queries, help you to fill in your online census or paper form, and discuss other ways to support you. All the centres are operating in a Covid-safe way.

Statement from Greater Manchester's LGBTQ+ Panel

Statement from Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Panel

For the first time in history, on 21 March 2021 the Census in the UK will ask questions about the sexual orientation and trans/gender identity of everyone aged 16 and over.

This is a landmark moment in the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people as it is the first time in the world that a national Census will collect data about people’s sexual orientation – and one of the first to collect data about people who identify as trans.

Being counted in the Census is important for the recognition and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in the UK. We are really encouraged that the government is recognising both sexuality and gender identity and we want to encourage the LGBTQ+ members of our communities to complete the Census this March and help the government build the truest representation of our identities that the UK has ever had. This year, those who may be closeted will still be able to have their voices heard. Anyone can request their own code to be able to fill in their data independently from their household on the Census website (opens in a new window).

This completely confidential process will override the household entry and will mean that everyone can be counted how they wish to be.

The Census data is used to allocate money to local authorities and to develop local and national policies so it is vital that the government has a complete picture of the identities, sexualities and genders of everyone in the UK.

In another first, the Census will be digital and every household in the UK will receive the information as to how to fill the Census in online and should do so by Sunday 21 March 2021. There will also be a dedicated telephone line to help people to fill out the Census if they are unable to do this digitally. Completing the Census is compulsory but some questions, such as the new ones on sexual orientation and trans/gender identity, are optional but we hope that as many people as possible will complete them and we want to reassure them that the data will be 100% confidential.

Support centres

Census support centres are available across Greater Manchester. Currently the centres are under Covid-19 restrictions and will open April 12.

Bolton

Bury

Manchester

Oldham

Rochdale

Salford

Stockport

Tameside

Trafford

Wigan

Events

Census completion events with ONS (external link)

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) are holding Census completion events to help members of the public help fill in their Census forms.

There are 15 places available on each of the following remaining dates:

All times are 17.00-18.30.

Friday 9 April 2021

Online Help - Census 2021 Form Help Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite (external website)

All times are 16.00-18.00.

Saturday 10 April 2021
Tuesday 13 April 2021
Thursday 15 April 2021
Saturday 17 April 2021
Tuesday 20 April 2021
Thursday 22 April 2021
Saturday 24 April 2021
Tuesday 27 April 2021
Thursday 29 April 2021
Tuesday 4 May 2021