The census rehearsal is in full swing and residents are being urged to complete their questionnaires online or at a community hub in Carlisle.
The rehearsal will enable the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to test some of the systems and processes it has put in place ahead of the digital-first 2021 Census.
This week households in Carlisle will have received letters in the post with details for how to fill in their census online about who is living in their household on 13 October. However, there is plenty of help available for those who do not have internet access or need support.
For face-to-face assistance completing the census questionnaire online, visit Carlisle Library at The Lanes Shopping Centre or People First Cumbria in Milbourne Street.
The rehearsal questionnaire is the proposed questionnaire for the 2021 Census and includes a new question to record armed forces veterans, to support those who have served their country.
Deputy National Statistician Iain Bell said: “The census rehearsal is up and running and we’re already getting online responses. Completion is easy, with many ways to take part. You can do it on your computer, phone or tablet and we have people ready to help those who need our support. If you want to respond on a paper questionnaire, you can.
“The rehearsal is to make sure everything is working as it should ahead of the 2021 Census. The census benefits everyone in your community and has been doing so for more than 200 years. Census data will help improve your life, and those of your friends and family for years to come.
“At the heart of the census is keeping information safe, confidential, secure and private – no one can find out individual’s details for 100 years.”
The more people who respond now in Carlisle, the more accurate information the ONS will have to plan for the success of the national event which helps inform vital public services such as the number of children’s school places, hospital and GP services and social care provision.
A range of accessible support is available for members of the public at census.gov.uk. People can also call 0800 141 2021, text 86677 or tweet @census2021help. An interpretation service is also available on 0800 587 2021.
At Carlisle Library, at The Lanes Shopping Centre, face-to-face help is available from 10am to 5pm. At People First Cumbria, in Milbourne Street, it is available from 9am to 1pm. Both are open Monday to Friday.
