Everyone living in England and Wales will be required to take part in the Census next month - here's what we know so far. 

The once-in-a-decade survey that provides a snapshot of households and helps to plan and fund public services.

For the first time, the Census will be held primarily online.

And the 2021 Census will include a new question on veterans of the UK Armed Forces, as well as voluntary questions, for those aged 16 and over, on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Local Census support centres will be offering help, while paper questionnaires will also be available. Census staff will operate in line with the Government’s Covid-19 safety guidance.

When is Census Day 2021?

The Census will take place on Sunday, March 21 2021.

This applies to England and Wales only.

While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years.

Northern Ireland will also have a Census in 2021, though the exact date has yet to be announced.

Scotland’s Census will happen sometime in 2022.

The first-ever Census took place in 1801, 220 years ago.

Do you have to complete the Census?

Yes, the Census Act 1920 makes it compulsory for everyone in England and Wales to take part in the census.

The Act makes answering the questions mandatory. 

Repeated failure to complete it could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

What has the ONS said?

The agency said the impact of coronavirus and Brexit meant it was more important than ever to conduct the census as planned on 21 March. It added that postponing it would cost an estimated £360m.

A team of 30,000 field workers, who will be sent to homes to remind people to complete the forms, will be given regular lateral flow tests for the virus to mitigate the risks.

“A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said.

“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need it.”