The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
What is the Census?
Every 10 years since 1801 the UK has undertaken a major examination on the population – called a Census. This is a vast collection of information of people and households. The latest Census was held on Sunday 29 April 2001. The information lets central and local Government and many other organisations direct their resources more effectively and plan for the future.
Typical questions relate to: household accommodation demographic characteristics (e.g. sex, age, marital status) health and provision of care qualifications employment journey to work. For more information on statistics, please visit the UK Statistics Authority's website.
Why do we need a Census?
We all use public services at various times - including schools, health services, roads and libraries. These services need to be planned, and in such a way that they keep pace with fast-changing patterns of modern life. We need accurate information on the numbers of people, where they live and what their needs are.
Every ten years the Census provides a benchmark. Uniquely, it gives us a complete picture of the nation. It counts the numbers of people living in each city, town and country area. It tells us about each area and its population, including the balance of young and old, what jobs people do, and the type of housing they live in.
Because the same questions are asked and the information is recorded in the same way throughout the UK, the Census allows us to compare different groups of people across the entire nation. The Census costs some £255 million for the UK as a whole, but the information it provides enables billions of pounds of taxpayers' money to be targeted where it is needed most. The Census gives us invaluable facts about:
For more information on statistics, please visit the UK Statistics Authority's website.
Why is a Census important?
A Census is a survey of all people and households in the country. It provides essential information from national to neighbourhood level for government, business, and the community. The most recent Census was on 29 April 2001. For more information on statistics, please visit the UK Statistics Authority's website.
What is Slough's role in the Census?
Slough's role is the same as everywhere else. The questionnaire is distributed nationally and statistics for Slough are taken from it.
Is the Census confidential?
Personal details are confidential. However, most of the census results are made available to the public.
How important was it that I completed and returned my census form?
How do I know my details and privacy will be protected when the census data is released?
The confidentiality of personal information is of paramount importance. The Census forms are collected and processed in secure conditions, and the Census Confidentiality Act 1991 gives legal protection by making the unauthorised disclosure of personal Census information an offence. For more information on statistics, please visit the UK Statistics Authority's website.
How can I get hold of census data once it has been released?
All census data can be found at the UK Statistics Authority's website.
What is the population of Slough?
The population of Slough is currently recorded as 119,067
What is the ethnic breakdown of Slough?
Information on the ethnic breakdown of Slough is available on our ethnic statistics pages.
Additional information can be found at the UK Statistics Authority's website.
What is the smallest area for which 2001 census statistics are available?
Please refer to the UK Statistics Authority's website for more information.
What ward-based data is available?
Where ward breakdown is available more information can be found on our census and statisitics page.
When will the results of the 2001 Census become available?
The results of the 2001 census are available now on the UK Statistics Authority's website.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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