Census 2011

For more Census information and support please visit www.census.gov.uk

What is the Census?

The census is an estimate of the population and an analysis of its characteristics that is carried out every ten years. In England and Wales the census is carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Everyone is asked the same set of questions on the same day, and our answers – which are kept confidential, create a ‘snapshot’ of the population as it looks on that day.

The census has taken place for over 200 years in England, charting dramatic changes to Birmingham and the country as a whole.

Why does it happen?

The results of the census are used to plan national and local services like transport, housing, healthcare and education. The results of the census also influence future funding for local authorities and communities.

The last census took place on Sunday 27 March 2011. For more information go to www.census.gov.uk

Why does it matter?

The amount of money Birmingham City Council and other public services have to spend on services over the next ten years is directly influenced by how many people are counted in the city, and the information government gets on the needs of our many residents and communities.

That means there is a direct link between the quality of information communities provide, and the amount of funding available to support them in future.

The census also helps us to have a much more up to date and accurate picture of Birmingham, who lives here and how the city is changing over time. This information is used by businesses, citizens, local historians, public sector organisations, charities and many others locally and nationally.

It is vitally important for Birmingham that our population is accurately counted, to ensure the best services and and opportunities are available for future generations.

To help achieve an effective count of Birmingham, the impact upon equality was taken into consideration and an Equality Impact Assessment has been completed on the project.

Census day has gone, what happens now?

Thank you for completing your Census questionnaire, you have helped secure the future funding of Birmingham.

When all the Census forms have been scanned, checked and verified they will be turned into anonymous statistics. These will be made available nationally, and local figures will appear on this website to help you find out more about your city.