HOUSEHOLDS in Sedgemoor will soon be asked to take part in in Census 2021.

The census is a ten-yearly survey which has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941, during the Second World War.

It provides valuable population information to help councils and governments plan services. It is also used by charities to help them get the funding they need and by businesses to help them decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities.

Census 2021 will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

Residents who are unable to complete the census digitally will be supported by a phone helpline, a network of census support centres or by ordering a paper copy.

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council, said: "There is plenty of help available, with people also able to complete the census over the phone with assistance from trained staff via the ONS’ free phone contact centre.

"The ONS also aims to provide in-person support to complete the census online through Census Support Centres where it is safe to do so."

Completing the census is a legal requirement and anyone who does not complete it, or provides false information, could be fined up to £1,000.

Households across the country will begin receiving letters with online codes from early March, with census day taking place on March 21.

It will include questions about residents' sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity.

For the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"The main census field operation will begin only after Census Day, contacting those who have not responded," a council spokesperson said.

"Field staff will never need to enter people’s houses; they will always be socially distanced, wear PPE and work in line with all government guidance. They will be operating in the same way as a postal or food delivery visit.

"Results will be available in 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations."

For more information and advice on how to answer the questions, visit census.gov.uk.