C4.69 2021 UK Census¶
UK Census2021
What is the census?
It is a collection of population information for England and Wales conducted every 10 years by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Reminder: Scotland and Northern Ireland also conduct their own censuses, but the links and specific details differ. Students in Scotland and Northern Ireland are advised to visit the corresponding regional links at the bottom of the article for accurate information
- When to complete the information?Complete it as soon as possible on or after 21 March 2021.
- Who needs to complete it?Those residing in the UK for less than 3 months are exempt; anyone staying longer must complete it. Providing false information or failing to complete it is illegal and may result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Some questions are clearly marked as voluntary during completion—declining to answer these is not illegal. All information provided is legally protected and confidential.
- Do I need to complete it if I’m not in the UK on or after 21 March?Yes, if you leave the UK on 21 March or later and will be away for less than 12 months.
- How to complete itReminder: Must be completed in English
(1) Online completionFirst, you will receive a letter containing a 16-character access code (composed of numbers and letters). Then, use the link provided in the letter or the online link below, enter the code to complete the census:https://census.gov.uk/en/request/access-code/enter-address/
Reminder: The access code is issued per household, and each person in the household takes approximately 10 minutes to complete the form.
What if I haven’t received the access code?
You can obtain a new code by phone or online application via the link:https://census.gov.uk/en/request/access-code/enter-address/
Important note: Once you apply for a new code, the old code will become invalid—any information entered using the old code will no longer be valid!
(2) Paper-based completionFirst, you need to call to request a form to be mailed to you. After completing it, send it back by post. This method is generally not recommended, but it is available for those who prefer the feel of paper or are unable to complete the census online.
Free phone number for England: 0800 141 2021
Free phone number for Wales: 0800 169 2021 (available in English or Welsh)
For other languages: If you need to communicate in another language, call the free language support hotline: 0800 587 2021
Contact via the online inquiry form—they will respond to your email within 2 working days. Link to the online inquiry form:https://census.gov.uk/en/web-form/
Send a text message: You can send a text to 86677, and you will receive a reply within 2 working days.
Chinese-language completion guide
The UK government has specially prepared two Chinese-language PDF guides for completion: 2021 Census: Household Questionnaire Guidance Booklet
(1) If you live in EnglandDownload link for the Simplified Chinese completion guide (for England) PDF:https://census.gov.uk/assets/Mandarin-Household-Questionnaire-guidance-booklet-if-you-live-in-England.pdf
(2) If you live in WalesDownload link for the Simplified Chinese completion guide (for Wales) PDF:https://census.gov.uk/assets/Mandarin-Household-Questionnaire-guidance-booklet-if-you-live-in-Wales.pdf
If you need help
You can call the free language support hotline for further assistance in Simplified Chinese.
Free Language Support HotlineTelephone: 0800 587 2021Opening hours:8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday to Friday)8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Saturday)Census Weekend (20 March to 21 March): 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Census for Northern Ireland and Scotland
Northern Ireland Census link: https://census.gov.uk/ni
Scotland Census link: https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/2022
Official website link for the England and Wales Census: https://census.gov.uk/about-the-census
Please remember to complete the census, or cooperate with your landlord to do so