The census is coming, and its about you. By taking part, you will help inform decisions about the services you and your community need, like doctors’ surgeries and new schools.

Without the information you share, it would be more difficult to understand our community’s needs and to plan and fund public services. Whether its using census data to plan apprenticeship schemes, new bike lanes or nursery spaces, your information makes a difference to the life of every single person in England and Wales. Because these things matter to all of us, everyone must complete the census.

Do not worry, government officials dealing with applications you have made or payments or services you receive cannot see it. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from government. Any information you share in the census is protected by law and the census only ever publishes anonymous information.

Census Day is Sunday 21 March. You can fill yours in online as soon as you get your access code in the post. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let The Office for National Statistics (ONS) know. Remember, by filling in your census questionnaire, you are helping make sure you and your community get the services needed for the next 10 years and beyond. That’s why it’s so important to take part.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help, there are a wide range of support services available. For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk