Census
Every ten 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 last
census took place on Sunday, 27 March 2011.
What is a census?
The census asks about work, health, national identity,
citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language,
religion, marital status and so on. These statistics are then used
to build a picture of today’s society. Everything you tell the
census is in strictest confidence and will only be used to produce
statistics. ONS will not share your personal information with any
other government department or organisation.
Why should this matter?
Like all local authorities in England and Wales, Carlisle City
Council relies on census population statistics to get the
government funding we need for public services. How much we get is
directly related to how many and what kind of people the census
says live in our area. So even if the census were to end up just a
few households short, it could make a very real difference to
people’s lives. The census needs to include everyone, everywhere –
and that’s why everyone has to take part.