NOT YET FILLED IN THE CENSUS FOR 2021? THERE IS STILL TIME AVAILABLE TO HELP SALFORD GET WHAT IT NEEDS FOR 'YOUR' FUTURE

Salfordians are being reminded not to forget to fill in your census, if you’ve not already completed it there is still time and plenty of help available if you are struggling.

Sunday March 21 was national census day but if you have not already completed it there is still time left - and it is a legal requirement that people do so.

There have been some inaccurate reports in the media saying that the public had until Sunday night of the 21st of March to fill it in, otherwise you'd get a £1,000 fine!

The census is still continuing, and reminder letters are now being sent out to households. You have in fact got until 4th of May, which is when the operational period will start drawing to a close, and there will be plenty of reminders between now and then.

Obviously the sooner people fill the census in before then, the better, as it is mandatory and people could still face a £1,000 fine, from May onwards.

Field staff will be visiting homes that have not already filled in the census to assist them on the doorstep or sign post them to other areas of support.

Why does it matter?

Because the statistics it provides help build a picture of Salford’s communities and their needs and because funding for vital services is based on population count. If that’s not accurate Salford may get less money than it needs to provide vital public services such as education, health and transport.

In short, without your input, our local council could be underfunded which could have an adverse effect on how much is available to spend in the coming decade on public services.

What about privacy & safety?

All of your personal information is kept private, locked and secure for 100 years, only statistical data is used and no personal data is shared. 

Everyone working on the census signs the Census Confidentiality Undertaking. This includes people working for the census offices and for it's suppliers.

It’s a crime for them to unlawfully share personal census information.

The Census Office have a strict security regime that follows government standards. This includes physical and IT security measures to protect your information.

It’s also a chance to write yourself into history, making it easier for future generations searching their ancestors and discovering their family history.

Need Help?

If anyone needs help to complete the census online or needs a paper copy, alternative format or help with languages they can call the national helpline free on 0800 141 2021 or visit https://census.gov.uk

They can also book a free phone or video call help session with Salford City Council’s Better Off team by visiting www.salford.gov.uk/cloudchat or by calling the Spirit of Salford helpline on 0800 952 1000, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Additionally, Alison the census engagement manager for Salford is running an online drop in session 4-7pm on 6 April which can be accessed via the link below. 

https://meet.google.com/sfq-exfr-dut

If you would prefer to visit local help centres please see www.salford.gov.uk/census2021 where they are listed.

Please make it count for Salford!