Make Stratford District Count - 2011 Census

All systems go - the first census forms are posted out today!

Everything is ready and the census is all set to be delivered. Census questionnaires will begin dropping through people's letterboxes from tomorrow (Tuesday March 8) in one of the biggest single mailouts the Royal Mail has handled.

The distinctive purple and white envelopes begin their journey to around 26 million households in England and Wales today (Monday March 7). By census day on March 27 every household will have one.

All the census forms are printed, the advertising to raise public awareness is underway, the field staff are ready to start, the data processing centre is open for business, the census helpline is ready to roll and the online facility is ready to receive the first of many completed census questionnaires.

2011 Census Director Glen Watson said: "People should look out for the purple and white envelope landing on their doormat in the next two weeks. Now that the forms are being mailed out we're in great shape for the 2011 Census. Once people get their form they can, if they prefer, fill it in online by going to www.census.gov.uk

"This will be quicker and it's better for us because we won't need to scan the forms and decipher all that handwriting.

"Of course if people want, they can still do it by hand. Completing the census form promptly and sending it back to us means no one will have to knock on your door to remind you.

"Census statistics enable the authorities in England and Wales to plan properly for the future for school places, housing, roads, emergency services and a host of other local services.

Royal Mail's Director of Field Operations, Paul Tolhurst said: "This is one of the single biggest postings Royal Mail will have dealt with and we are confident we can rise to the challenges it presents. Our people will be working hard over the coming weeks to deliver the 26 million census forms.

"Royal Mail is delighted that the Office for National Statistics has trusted us with this vital task. It demonstrates how our unique network touches all UK addresses and puts us in a great position to deliver for our customers."

For further information on the 2011 Census visit - Your questions answered on the District Council's website.