This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-12661100

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Census 2011: Forms on their way to millions of homes Census 2011: Forms on their way to millions of homes
(about 1 month later)
 
The 2011 Census is getting under way, with forms posted out to households around the UK.The 2011 Census is getting under way, with forms posted out to households around the UK.
The public will be asked questions about their jobs, health, education and ethnic background and must base all answers on who is in their household on Sunday 27 March.The public will be asked questions about their jobs, health, education and ethnic background and must base all answers on who is in their household on Sunday 27 March.
The form is compulsory, but a question about religion is optional. The answers will be used to plan public services.The form is compulsory, but a question about religion is optional. The answers will be used to plan public services.
For the first time, people will also be able to fill in the form online.For the first time, people will also be able to fill in the form online.
The organisers of the survey say the questionnaire can be returned before, on or after Census Day - but the information must relate to 27 March.The organisers of the survey say the questionnaire can be returned before, on or after Census Day - but the information must relate to 27 March.
There is a fine of up to £1,000 for failing to complete and return the form, but in 2001 only 38 people were prosecuted.There is a fine of up to £1,000 for failing to complete and return the form, but in 2001 only 38 people were prosecuted.
ExpensiveExpensive
2011 Census director Glen Watson said: "People should look out for the purple and white envelope landing on their doormat.2011 Census director Glen Watson said: "People should look out for the purple and white envelope landing on their doormat.
"Completing the census form promptly and sending it back to us means no-one will have to knock on your door to remind you.""Completing the census form promptly and sending it back to us means no-one will have to knock on your door to remind you."
Mr Watson said people could also fill in their details online.Mr Watson said people could also fill in their details online.
"This will be quicker and it's better for us," he said, "because we won't need to scan the forms and decipher all that handwriting.""This will be quicker and it's better for us," he said, "because we won't need to scan the forms and decipher all that handwriting."
The Census is carried out once every 10 years. This year's survey is the biggest yet, but it could also be the last one.The Census is carried out once every 10 years. This year's survey is the biggest yet, but it could also be the last one.
Critics say it is intrusive, old-fashioned and expensive. A report is being prepared which could recommend scrapping the exercise.Critics say it is intrusive, old-fashioned and expensive. A report is being prepared which could recommend scrapping the exercise.
The first information from the 2011 Census is expected to be released next year.The first information from the 2011 Census is expected to be released next year.
There are actually three different Censuses happening on the one day. Northern Ireland and Scotland each manage their own, and are run separately from the one being sent to 26 million households in England and Wales.There are actually three different Censuses happening on the one day. Northern Ireland and Scotland each manage their own, and are run separately from the one being sent to 26 million households in England and Wales.


Comments

This entry is now closed for comments
 
Mine arrived in the post this morning. I will fill mine in on-line, much easier. Like others, I have researched my family tree on-line and looking at the old census is fascinating.
Report this comment
Link to this
  • There are some things that are so important that money has to be found for them. Keeping accurate population records and planning for future services are just two one of them. Of course the data collected will not be 100% accurate. But the census is the most detailed survey to be carried out and, in my humble opinion, completing it is a civic duty. Eggo
    Report this comment
    Link to this
  • On line is a great step forward and should certainly reduce the expense.
    Report this comment
    Link to this
  • I have just rang the census helpline and it's a frustrating "press this number" line and eventually the system tries to transfer you to an operator but I was disappointed to receive the answer "sorry there is nobody available to help you at the moment". I predict that this Census will be a mess - who is going to bother waiting for answers on an unmanned helpline. It will be garbage in garbage out.
    Report this comment
    Link to this
  • I agree with the critics: "It is intrusive, old-fashioned and expensive". I also expect the data is not entirely correct due to people make false claims. I don't see any benefit of this exercise.
    Report this comment
    Link to this
     
    Comments 5 of 10
     
    Add your comment
    You are not currently signed in. or register.