Census 2011

[Doc Alan]

This is the first time it's been possible to fill in the UK Census online. It's held on the same day - March 27 - throughout the UK, with different paper forms for England and Wales, Scotland , and Northern Ireland. These forms should be destroyed if the information is given online.
Strictly this is a "snapshot" of the population as it stands on this particular day, so only fill it in before 27 March if you're sure nothing will change. It's a legal requirement and anyone trying to avoid taking part can be prosecuted and fined up to 1000 GBP.
About 200 countries in the world regularly carry out population censuses. They are supposed to provide an insight into our lifestyles and needs.

[Englishman2010]

Strictly this is a "snapshot" of the population as it stands on this particular day, so only fill it in before 27 March if you're sure nothing will change. It's a legal requirement and anyone trying to avoid taking part can be prosecuted and fined up to 1000 GBP.
About 200 countries in the world regularly carry out population censuses. They are supposed to provide an insight into our lifestyles and needs.

Oh dear I completed mine and posted it about 2 weeks ago, does that mean I now have to tell them about the 2 dozen illegals I've rented my garden shed to this afternoon

[Dedworth]

Oh dear I completed mine and posted it about 2 weeks ago, does that mean I now have to tell them about the 2 dozen illegals I've rented my garden shed to this afternoon

I've already informed the UKBA

[Englishman2010]

I've already informed the UKBA

So have I. I was on the phone as soon as I had taken 6 months advance rent in cash

[joebloggs]

So have I. I was on the phone as soon as I had taken 6 months advance rent in cash

well they might move into your house when your in the phils in 3wks

[Englishman2010]

well they might move into your house when your in the phils in 3wks

As long as they do it after March 27th, I won't have broken the law regarding my census form

[joebloggs]

As long as they do it after March 27th, I won't have broken the law regarding my census form

maybe they should have a question on it, asking if your illegally in the uk ? see how many tick yes

[Doc Alan]

... does that mean I now have to tell them about the 2 dozen illegals I've rented my garden shed to this afternoon

You're joking of course ( I think ), but you make an important point.
All three UK agencies ( Office for National Statistics / ONS in England and Wales ; General Register Office for Scotland / GROS ; and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency / NISRA ) have agreed to conduct the Census on the same day. They say they are paying " special attention to hard-to-count and under-represented groups" . These include ethnic minorities, disabled / elderly, faith communities, migrants, non-English speakers, unemployed, people on low income, students and other young adults, gypsy, traveller and other groups "whose response has been historically low".
The Government does need information for policies and public services like health and education. The ONS claim the benefits of the Census outweigh the cost of its collection. A review of the last Census (2001) concluded that if a national identity register could be developed it might remove the need for a Census in the future.
There may indeed be "lies, damned lies, and statistics" Certainly the "hard-to-count" groups form a significant number, and unless the information in the Census is accurate it's a waste of time . A carefully taken significant sample of the population, required by law as with the current Census, might be more cost-effective

[subseastu]

This is the first time it's been possible to fill in the UK Census online. It's held on the same day - March 27 - throughout the UK, with different paper forms for England and Wales, Scotland , and Northern Ireland. These forms should be destroyed if the information is given online.
Strictly this is a "snapshot" of the population as it stands on this particular day, so only fill it in before 27 March if you're sure nothing will change. It's a legal requirement and anyone trying to avoid taking part can be prosecuted and fined up to 1000 GBP.
About 200 countries in the world regularly carry out population censuses. They are supposed to provide an insight into our lifestyles and needs.

Thanks for that Doc, i was going to avoid filling in the form as I don't like too much info about me getting released to god knows who. But as you've pointed out there is a £1000 fine if its not filled in it looks like I'll have to complete it.

[Rosie1958]

Thanks for that Doc, i was going to avoid filling in the form as I don't like too much info about me getting released to god knows who. But as you've pointed out there is a £1000 fine if its not filled in it looks like I'll have to complete it.

You may be relieved to know that the 2011 census cannot be published for 100 years, by which time, we won't be around to mind. The 1911 census was made available early last year and provides some interesting information about our family ancestors and their whereabouts.

[KeithD]

.......by which time, we won't be around to mind.....

Speak for yourself .... I have plans .... I've bought a family sized freezer