Census Day will be Sunday 21 March 2021

The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census is unique. There’s simply nothing else that gives so much detail about us and the society we live in.

All kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to do this.

By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your community get the services needed now and in the future.

Purple Plaques

As we build up towards Census 2021 the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is launching a community heroes ‘Purple Plaques’ initiative and they’d like your help, if possible.

Taking the quintessentially British and iconic English Heritage ‘Blue Plaque’ scheme as inspiration, the ONS want to pay tribute to 22 unsung heroes who have made significant contributions within their communities.

Candidates will come from all walks of life – giving us a chance to honour and celebrate the people who make their communities what they are.

Scope for nomination will be broad and can include: a nurse who has spent decades in the NHS, a local war hero who volunteers at the community centre or a teacher who inspires her students – with a selection that represents an even spread of localities across England and Wales and the diversity that the Census captures.

Watch out for further information over the coming weeks on the ONS social media channels about how you can make a nomination.

Light up England and Wales weekend

The ONS are also looking to light up England and Wales on census weekend by illuminating buildings in purple. Watch out for further information over the coming weeks on the ONS social media channels.

The ONS and Census 2021 on social media