Published: Wednesday, 20th January 2021
The next Census takes place on Sunday 21 March and to ensure its success in Cannock Chase District, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed a Census Engagement Manager to support residents in the area.
Kirat Raj Singh, the area’s Census Engagement Manager, will help organisations, charities, faith groups and community leaders within the District raise awareness of the census and the value to residents in taking part. In his role he will be covering Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire and Tamworth districts with support from each of the councils.
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that provides a snapshot of households in England and Wales, helping to plan and fund public services.
Everyone across England and Wales will be asked to take part and the information people give will decide how services are planned and funded. Ultimately, it ensures funds are invested in emergency services, health care, school places and other vital services.
Kirat Raj Singh said: “Census Engagement Managers, such as myself, have a critical role in making sure everyone understands why the census is important and making sure all households across England and Wales know why it is important to take part and how to get the help they need.”
For the first time, the census will be run primarily online, making it easy for most people to complete the questionnaire on any device – whether that be a computer, a mobile phone or a tablet. Local Census support centres will be offering help, while paper questionnaires will be available for those who need them. All census staff will operate in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance.
The 2021 Census will include a new question on veterans of the UK Armed Forces, as well as voluntary questions, for those aged 16 and over, on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Results from the census will be available in 2022, with all personal records locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations.
For more information visit census.gov.uk
Kirat Raj Singh, as the local Census Engagement Manager, can be reached at kiratraj.singh91@field.census.gov.uk