Doncaster residents urged to help shape their future by completing the Census 2021

The decennial census is almost upon us in which households across Doncaster will be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

Information from the digital-first census will help decide how services are planned and funded in the area.

This means residents have the power to influence key areas including emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GPs’ housing and new bus routes.

The man charged with ensuring the historic survey is a success is Laurance Green, census engagement manager for Doncaster.He said: “I have worked on Census 2021 for three months now. It is so exciting to be part of the team that will support communities and individuals to complete the census.”

Laurance is passionate about ensuring as many people as possible take part in the census and has been encouraged by the support he has received in the borough.

"I've been blown away by all the support and help from organisations and individuals in many areas, including the local council, community groups, charities and businesses as well as individuals who are trusted in their communities. There have been so many offers to publicise the Census 2021 on social media, newsletters and websites plus offers to lend help and resources closer to the Census date on Sunday 21st March 2021.

"Some people and communities are naturally a little wary of having to complete and write so much information about themselves and their households. People should be aware that all data is anonymised with no public information being published for a hundred years. It is however a legal requirement to complete the Census. Just as important, completing the census provides information that shapes local policy, allocates resources and funding and allows for us to understand for instance how many more doctors, nurses or school teachers may be required in our area by noting the changes in our population and their requirements.”

As part of his role Laurance is advising communities on why the Census is important and making sure that the communities that may find it more challenging to complete know all the support that is available.

He added: “For instance I am working with certain organisations for the visually and hearing impaired and I am ensuring that all members of the community are aware that there are a range of support services available, including large print formats, information in Braille and British Sign Language support.”

Laurance says the key to ensuring the Census is a success is ensuring the team reaches out to the people who need more support in completing it.

“This is the first Census which is digital first, which means that the majority of people and households will receive a letter in the post with a unique access code to complete the census questionnaire online. We know that there may be people who need support to complete online or need access to devices and my role is to ensure that all this information is available and that everyone who needs support knows where to go and access this information.”

Laurance highlights how the Census information has directly impacted decision making in Doncaster using analysis from the last survey in 2011.

He said: “For example The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) was aware that visitors to its sites were mainly middle and higher social groups and of White ethnicity. The YWT, therefore, wished to make a funding application to set up a project to increase visitor numbers from a wider range of backgrounds. The YWT used census data to understand mobility challenges in Doncaster and beyond to successfully apply for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve access to twelve nature reserves.

"The scheme saw people brought to reserve locations by coach from various target wards. This directly impacted on five wildlife reserves and supported communities in Doncaster to visit these attractions.”

Households will receive a letter with a unique access code in the post, allowing them to complete their questionnaire online. Paper questionnaires will be available on request. Census day is March 21.

Information can be accessed at https://census.gov.uk/ to find out more.