Census 2011
On 27 March, Make Sure You Count 
A census of the United Kingdom is taking place on 27 March 2011. The Board is encouraging all members of the Jewish community to tick the ‘Jewish’ box.Here are the answers to some of the questions that you might be asking. If you have any other questions, you can get in touch with us at census2011@bod.org.uk.Why do we need a census?
Who carries out the census?
Do I have to complete the census?
When is all this happening?
I’m not a British citizen – do I still need to complete the census?
Do I have to answer the question on religion?
Why should I tick the ‘Jewish’ box?
I’m not religious – should I still tick the ‘Jewish’ box?
I’ve heard that this is going to be the last census – is that true?
How can I be sure my information is safe?
Where can I find out more? Why do we need a census?
The information from the census is used by national government and by local authorities to help with planning resources and services that people need. It also affects the amount of money that local councils are given by central government. Who carries out the census?
The census in England and Wales is carried out by the Office for National Statistics, the ONS. In Scotland, it is the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS), and in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) Do I have to complete the census?
Yes, everyone must complete the census. If you don’t, you may be prosecuted, and could be fined up to £1,000 and receive a criminal record.The form must include everyone who normally lives in your household, and also any visitors who are staying overnight on census day. When is all this happening?
Census day is Sunday 27 March. Forms are being sent out to all households during March, and you can fill out your form either before or just after census day. You will also be able to fill in your census form online. I’m not a British citizen – do I still need to complete the census?
Yes – if you normally live in the UK, or even if you are just visiting, you will need to be included in the census. Do I have to answer the question on religion?
The question on religion is voluntary. However, for the reasons outlined below, we are encouraging all members of the community to answer the question by ticking the ‘Jewish’ box.Note that if you live in Northern Ireland, there is no ‘Jewish’ box on the form, so you will need to tick the ‘Other’ box and write it in. Why should I tick the ‘Jewish’ box?
The results of the census help central and local government when they are making decisions about the allocation of resources, both for the community as a whole, and for groups within the community, such as those people of a particular religion.For example, if there are a lot of young couples living in an area, this might suggest a need for more schools. An older population might need greater welfare provision, and extra residential accommodation may be required in areas where existing houses are overcrowded.Organisations working in the Jewish community also rely on the results of the census when they are applying for funding. I’m not religious – should I still tick the ‘Jewish’ box?
It doesn’t matter whether you are religious or not – if you consider yourself to be Jewish, you should tick the ‘Jewish’ box.If you really don’t feel comfortable doing that, you can still specify ‘Jewish’ for your ethnic group. There is no ‘Jewish’ tick box, so you will need to write it on the form, but it will still be counted. I’ve heard that this is going to be the last census – is that true?
The census is expensive to carry out, and so there have been some suggestions that the government want this to be the last census. No decision has yet been made.If it does turns out that this will have been the last census, it is more important than ever to ensure that it is as accurate as possible. How can I be sure my information is safe?
The census data are kept confidential at all times, and are not shared with other government departments or marketing companies. The data are even exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.Rigorous security systems are in place to protect the data, and all the organisations involved in processing the data have been carefully vetted.The analysis which produces the results of the census is all carried out on data without names or exact addresses. They will never include any information that could identify an individual or a household.After they have been processed, the forms themselves will be digitally archived and stored in a secure location for 100 years. Only after that date will they be made available for public access. Where can I find out more?
Follow the links below to find out about the census in your area:
England and Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
or email us at the Board – census2011@bod.org.uk.
On 27 March, Make Sure You Count
Who carries out the census?
Do I have to complete the census?
When is all this happening?
I’m not a British citizen – do I still need to complete the census?
Do I have to answer the question on religion?
Why should I tick the ‘Jewish’ box?
I’m not religious – should I still tick the ‘Jewish’ box?
I’ve heard that this is going to be the last census – is that true?
How can I be sure my information is safe?
Where can I find out more?
England and Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
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