Agenda item

Andrew Millard, the Policy and Special Projects Manager updated members on the progress with the 2011 Census.  Members were advised of the publicity and awareness measures and the proposals with regard to assistance and completion centres.  The overall feedback had been positive suggesting that the assistance centres had had the desired impact.  Members were advised of the challenges and concerns that remained with regard to the census.  These included the allocation of two community advisers who were only part-time and that this was considered inadequate.  Slough had also been allocated five area co-ordinators who were actively chasing returns from houses of multiple occupation.  The Council was hopefully that they would be allowed to work Borough wide if required as opposed to being confined to their allocated areas.  Members discussed the census campaign and a number of areas of concern with regard to non-receipt of forms and language difficulties.  After full discussion the Committee:

Resolved -

(a)  That officers of the council and their local partners be thanked and congratulated for running such a high profile and effective awareness campaign. 

(b)  That the linguistic and advice/completion centres support be welcomed but that the Committee remains concerned that the ONS only intends to provide a “cold spot” data for one lower super output area (LSOA) per week and discouraging local door knocking.

(c)  That the local census manager communicate the committees concerns to the ONS and seek a suitable resolution to ensure Census 2011 Slough returns are maximised where possible and report back to the next meeting of the Committee.