Census 2011 - Parents reminded to include new babies on census questionnaire

The Office for National Statistics is asking new parents across England and Wales to remember the very newest members of the household when completing their census questionnaires today.

Mothers and babies in hospital on census day should be included on the questionnaire where they usually live (or will usually live in the baby's case), not at the hospital.

Glen Watson, ONS Census director said: "I understand parents of very young children don't have much time on their hands, but it's very important that our youngest residents are included in the census.

"The census helps to understand the needs of the population, like the need for more school places or healthcare services. By including their children in the census, parents can help to shape the services they will need in the future.

"Most of the questions will not apply to young children, so it won't take long and if you complete online the questions that aren't relevant will be skipped automatically."

Lynne Pacanowski, Director of Midwifery and Head of Gynaecological Nursing, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, added, "At Guy's and St Thomas'
maternity unit we're expecting around 35 babies to be born over the census weekend.

"This means a lot of extra children that are going to need school places in a few years' time so we need to make sure they're counted.

"But it is not just about the babies! Hundreds of women rely on our services every year and we need to make sure they are included too so that our future plans meet the needs of our local population."

All households in England and Wales should have now received their census questionnaire through the post. If you have not already completed the questionnaire, it should be completed - on paper or online - on 27 March or as soon after as possible.

About the census

1.   The census provides an estimate of the population of England and Wales and is carried out every ten years by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The information given is confidential and is protected by law.

2.   The statistics derived from the census underpin the allocation of important
funding for necessary services like education, transport and health. They are also used by policy makers in central and local government to identify and understand the needs of communities.

3.   In March 2011 each household in England and Wales will receive a
questionnaire through the post. The questionnaires can then be completed and returned by post or using the new secure online questionnaire.

4.   ONS is responsible for carrying out the census in England and Wales.

5.   National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in
the Code of Practice for official statistics. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference. © Crown copyright 2011

6.   For the latest on Census, follow us on Twitter @2011censuspress and
@2011censusinfo

7.   Census has Youtube and Flickr channels. Find out more at
www.youtube.com/2011census and www.flickr.com/2011census