Census 2021 in March

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

In the last census ten years ago 275,506 people lived in Sunderland, including 17,362 students and102,844 people were married or in a registered same-sex civil partnership.

Census 2021 is the first to be run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

The Office for National Statistics Census Engagement Manager for South Tyneside and Sunderland is Stephen Woolston.

He said: "Having a successful Census 21 ensures that everyone from central and local government to the NHS and charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed. 

"This could mean doctors' surgeries, schools and new transport routes. These are the reasons why it is so important that everyone takes part and why we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, or with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them."

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

For more information, visit census.gov.uk.