Census 2021: Here is when you have to complete the survey by and what happens if you don't

Taking place once every decade, it is a survey of the population used by the government to get a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

The answers submitted to the census will help ‘organisations make decisions on planning and funding public services in your area, including transport, education and healthcare’, according to the website.

Everyone in England and Wales must complete the census, or be included in a completed one.

If you don’t you could face legal consequences.

Here is what you need to know:

When is the deadline to complete the census?

Census Day is today (March 21).

This is the deadline for completing the survey.

What if I don’t do the census?

If you do not fill in the census, a census officer will contact you and encourage you to complete it. They will help you access any support you need to fill in your form.

If you still don't return or submit a completed census, you will be committing a crime and you will be contacted by the non-compliance team.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth sees rough sleeper numbers halved as council expands accommodation

Is there any punishment for not completing the census?

If you don’t do the census, you could be prosecuted and face a potential fine of up to £1,000 plus court costs.

Will I get a criminal record if I don’t complete the census?

On the website it says: ‘You will get a criminal record if you’re prosecuted for not completing the census and found guilty.’

The census can be completed here online via the government website.

When is the next census?

The next census will be in 2031.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.