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Census information

The Census is a count of all people and households and is the most complete source of information about the population that we have. The latest Census was held on Sunday April 29, 2001.

A copy of the Census form, with all the questions that were asked, can be found at www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/censusform.asp and you can request a copy of Census information online.

Why is the Census important?

The Census is important because it allows central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to target their resources more effectively and to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come.

For the first time central government will make information freely available to the public on the internet.

Confidentiality

Information on individual people is not released to any organisation.

The confidentiality of personal information is of paramount importance. Disclosure of personal Census information is an offence. The Office for National Statistics have processed the Census forms in secure conditions. Paper copies will be destroyed. Digital images of individual responses will only be made public after 100 years. The 1901 census can be found at: http://www.1901census.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Measures are also taken to prevent inadvertent disclosure of information about individuals through the statistical results. For example, information will not be released for areas containing fewer than 100 households.

Warnings

There are a number of changes to the 2001 Census that all users should be aware of if they wish to compare results with those of the 1991 Census.

• 2001 is the first Census that has made adjustments for 'missing' people.
• It will include students at their term time address - last time they were included at their home address.

There will be new information on relationships within households, the lowest floor level of accommodation, unpaid personal care and religion.

There will be no information on income, but there will be information on socio-economic groups. There is no information on disability, but there will be information on limiting long term illnesses and general health over the past year.

The currently released information from the 2001 census can be accessed at: http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk