2011 Census coming to a letterbox near you    

The 2011 Census is going to be dropping on our doormats soon - Census day across England and Wales is 27 March 2011.

The Census asks about work, health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, religion, marital status and so on. The answers from everyone in the country will be turned into statistics about the community and groups within it - capturing a true snapshot of the population as it stands on census day. 

You must answer all the questions. Only the religion question is voluntary. It should only take you 10 minutes per person, plus an extra few minutes to answer questions about your household. Everybody must fill in this questionnaire by law - if you don’t, you could face prosecution, a hefty fine (up to £1000) and a criminal record!

There is a pre-paid envelope - but don’t worry if you hate filling in forms, you can do it online as well. This is the first year people have been able to take part in the Census using the internet. The security of the 2011 Census website has been tested by independent experts. They have checked that the Census website complies with industry and government standards, protected from accidental or deliberate interference or misuse, and that they have effective measures in place to protect the confidentiality of personal data. Personal census information is kept confidential for 100 years and is not shared with government departments.

Do you think this will make a difference? Are you worried about your data going missing? Do you think it is a way for the authorities to keep tabs on us?

Chickerell residents are being asked by the district council to make sure they fill in the census when it comes through their letterboxes in March 2011. West Dorset District Council says the census statistics help identify people's needs to help local authorities plan and provide local services, so it is crucial that the population estimate is as accurate as possible.

West Dorset District Council Leader Robert Gould said: “The census provides an excellent source of information about the population. This enables central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come.

“We are asking all West Dorset residents to make sure that they fill in the Census when it comes through their letterboxes as the results will help the council plan and deliver its services.”

When the questionnaire envelope comes through the door you'll easily recognise it by its purple 2011 Census logo. Many people choose to complete the questionnaire online. To do this you will need your individual internet code which is on the front of the questionnaire.

More information about the 2011 Census can be found at: www.census.gov.uk