Over the next week or so you will be sent a letter asking you to take part in the Census 2021 - the once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

Census day is on Sunday 21 March, but households will now be receiving letters explaining how to complete your forms. You will receive a 16-character access code which you will need to complete the census. Remember not to share this code with anyone else. 

You can complete your census form on Sunday 21 March or as soon as possible thereafter. 

If you don’t receive your letter in the next couple of weeks, please call the census contact centre on 0800 141 2021. 

You can also request a paper questionnaire if you’d prefer to complete your census that way. 

For more information, and to find out how to get help, visit census.gov.uk or call the contact centre on 0800 141 2021.