The national census is due to take place on 27th March 2011, run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in England and Wales.

The census is a count of the population which is completed in the UK every ten years to find out more about who we are as a nation. The data is used to help government and local authorities decide how best to plan, fund and deliver the everyday services we all need – like housing, education, healthcare and transport.

The census have been posted out to households in early March and can be completed online or sent back via a pre-paid envelope.

Please note that residents who return their completed questionnaires promptly (before 6 April) will not be contacted by the census field staff. All census staff will carry an ID card with a photo, logo and hologram. Staff will not ask for details such as credit card details, bank accounts or password etc. Please be vigilant and bear in mind that only registered staff will ! carry out this work. If you are not sure ring the number that will be on their ID card. If you are still concerned get them checked out before letting anyone into your home!

To find out more about census 2011, please go on line at: http://2011.census.gov.uk/My-census for general information and : http://www.mynhw.co.uk/uploads/census_information_2011.pdf for circumstances in which census field staff may make contact with residents. Remember that field staff may call after 6 April.

This message, together with relevant links, can be read as an article on the NHW website at: http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news_and_events/news/census_2011/