Support available from library service for completing Census 2021

Households across Shropshire will soon be required to take part in the Census 2021. It will be the first Census run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their laptops, mobiles or iPads.

Census 2021 completion via laptop

As soon as households receive their letter from Monday 8 March 2021, they will be able to complete the questionnaire, based on what their circumstances will be on Sunday 21 March 2021 (Census Day). The letter will contain contact details for households to access help and support.

Shropshire Libraries will be offering local support in completing forms digitally, with virtual guidance via MS Teams, over the phone guidance in completing forms and form filling on behalf of the person, and possibly one to one support in selected branches, dependent on Lockdown restrictions. Paper forms will be available for those people that are unable to complete the Census online.

In the lead up to Census 2021, contact details will be promoted more widely. Households should be reassured that their responses to the Census will not be shared with other parties or countries. Responses will be stored securely for 100 years to benefit future generations.

Census 2021 completion via mobile

Andy Begley, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said:-

“The success of Census 2021 in Shropshire is only achievable if all households are able to complete the questionnaire online or by requesting a paper questionnaire. This means it is essential that local people know where they can get help and support from to make this possible.

“Experience has shown that many households are able to obtain help from trusted friends and family, or will be able to satisfactorily get help through the national help contact centre.

“However, we would encourage households who may be worrying about being able to complete the Census to contact our main libraries to obtain one-to-one help and support from Monday 8 March 2021.”

For more information, people can email censussupport@shropshire.gov.uk or contact their local library. More details, including how people can get in touch with the council’s library service for help and support with the Census, will be available from next Monday (1 March).

Census 2021 completion via iPad