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In June 2022, the first results from the March 2021 census were published. But what is a census? And why are they important? In this LedEx article, we will explore the history of the census, why we have them, and how the government might use them.

What is the census?

Simply put, the census is a survey that happens every 10 years. Using statistics and survey questions, it gives the Government a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census asks people lots of different questions, such as whether they are married or single, and what ethnic group they belong to. The census also asks more simple questions such as your name, age and place of birth. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out the census for England and Wales. The Northern Ireland Statistics Agency (NISRA) organises the census for Northern Ireland and in Scotland the National Records of Scotland (NRS) conducts the census. This article will focus on the 2021 Census for England and Wales.

The history of the census

The first census in the UK dates back almost 200 years to 1801, with the passing of the Census Act 1800 by Parliament. Back then, the aim of the questions was to identify basic statistics for each town or area, such as the number of people (excluding men on active military service) and the number of inhabited houses.

The data was collected on an aggregate basis, and this reflected the main aim of the first census: to establish the population of the country at the time (9 million). It was not until the 1841 Census that more specific information about each individual member of the household was recorded. Because the 1841 Census was the first to record things like the full name and age of each person living in the household, it is often referred to as the first modern census. Today, the census remains an important source of information. The data collected still informs much of the work done by local and national governments.

Why do we have a census?

As we know from looking at the history of the census, the main aim of the first census was to establish the population of the country at the time. This information was then used by the Government in 1801 to plan how best to distribute food supplies.

In a similar fashion, the 2021 Census in England and Wales helped the Government build a detailed snapshot of society in England and Wales. The information collected will go on to help the Government and local authority plan how best to fund local services such as healthcare and education.

As well as helping the Government and local authority plan how best to fund local services, another important reason for why we have a census is related to the Equality Act (2010). The Equality Act makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of personal characteristics such as race or religion. The information the census collects on protected characteristics such as race and religion, will help local and national governments better assess inequality and ensure that those protected under the Equality Act have fair access to healthcare, housing and employment. Given how important census data is for both local and national governments, it was crucial that the census was carried out in such a way as to enable as many people to take part as possible. For the 2021 Census, this meant incorporating an online electronic questionnaire.

How is the census carried out?

The 2021 Census was the first in England and Wales to be carried out primarily online. 88.9% of household responses to the census were completed online using the ONS electronic questionnaire. Where the take-up of the online option was expected to be low, but willingness to take part in the census was high, people and households received the paper questionnaire. With the Government working to ensure the census is accessible to as many people as possible, it should come as no surprise that completing the census is also mandatory.

The Law

It is the Census Act 1920 that gives the ONS authority to carry out the census in England and Wales. The Census Order and Census Regulations 2020 set out the details for Census 2021 (when it would take place and what questions were going to be asked). The Census Act 1920 also gives the census its mandatory status. Failing to complete the census is a criminal offence punishable with a fine of up to £1,000.

New questions for Census 2021

The 2021 Census was the first to question people aged 16 and over about their sexual orientation and gender identity. Asking people about their sexual orientation and gender identity allows the Government to gather data about the size of the LGBTQIA+ population in England and Wales. This data is important because it helps the Government monitor inequality and better understand the kind of disadvantage LGBTQIA+ people experience trying to access healthcare, housing or employment. Monitoring the level of inequality experienced by those in the LGBTQIA+ community is important because sexual orientation and gender identity are protected characteristics under the Equality Act (2010).

Census 2021 challenged in the courts

In the 2021 Census, one of the questions read “what is your sex”. The wording of this question caused a lot of controversy. When filling out the Census, guidance on how to answer this question said that people can use the sex listed on their passport to answer.

This was controversial because the sex listed on your passport can be changed without a legal process. Campaign group Fair Play For Women (FPFW) argued successfully in court that this unlawfully allowed "self-identification" as male or female. The court ruled that the guidance should be changed to say people should only respond with the answer on their birth certificate or gender recognition certificate - a document which allows transgender people to change their legal gender. After the court case FPFW said that it did not want the data on people’s legal sex to be conflated with the idea of gender identity. It also pointed out that a new question specifically on gender identity had already been added to the 2021 Census.

Conclusion

The data collected through the census plays a crucial role in helping the Government plan how best to fund local services. Census data also enables the Government to monitor inequality and take action to ensure that groups protected under the Equality Act, have fair access to things such as healthcare and housing. You should now have a basic understanding of what a census is, what it is used for in the UK, and why it is important.

Written by Gabriel Adeleke

Glossary box

Aggregate Data - Individual data gathered and expressed in a summary form for statistical analysis.

Census - ‘A’ census is a method of collecting information about a specific population. ‘The’ Census in the UK is run every 10 years.

Leducate Explains: What is a Census?