Article: Census statistics and information Article Body The 2011 Census What is a Census? A Census is a survey of all people and households in the country. It provides essential information from national to neighbourhood level. Every effort is made to include everyone across the country at the same time. This is why the Census is so important as it is the only survey, which provides a detailed picture of the entire population. The same core questions are asked everywhere enabling comparisons across different parts of the country. The information the Census provides allows central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to target their resources more effectively and to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come. The most recent Census of England and Wales was held on Sunday 27th March 2011 and involved around 25 million households. A number of new approaches were designed to improve census return rates in all areas and with all population groups. Headline population estimates from the 2011 Census are expected to be released in the summer (2012) with more detailed estimates to follow in 2013. For more information on the 2011 Census programme please visit this link. Why do we have a Census? At various times we all use public services including schools, health services, transport and libraries. These services need to be planned, and must evolve to meet changing needs of the population. We need accurate information on the number of people, where they live and what their needs are. Every ten years the Census provides a benchmark and allows us to analyse and compare different groups of people across the entire nation. More information on the 2011 Census can be found by visiting this link. Contact Tel: 01226 773189 or 773440 Email: consultation-and-research@barnsley.gov.uk