Hillingdon Council encourages its residents to take part in Census 2021

by: DESIREE TORRES DIAZ

Residents are being shown a window to the past as part of Hillingdon council’s attempt to encourage them to fill in the latest census form. The council has released an online exhibition called "Hillingdon on Census" that takes a look at the historical background to the census and what it can tell us about life in the past.

The Census is a survey that happens every ten years and gives the government an idea of all the people and households in England and Wales. It is mandatory to complete the census by law. If you do not, or supply false information, you could be fined up to £1,000. The householder should fill in the survey for the household; this is the person who owns or rents the property, or the person who is responsible for paying bills.

The Office for National Statistics are sending letters to Hillingdon residents with a unique access code that will allow them to complete the survey online. Census day will be taking part on Sunday 21 March, yet you can submit your completed questionnaire in advance.

However, to ensure that everyone can take part in census, the council has opened four support centres based at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, and at adult learning centres in Uxbridge, Hayes and South Ruislip for those who need additional support or do not have access to a computer.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Transformation, said: "The only way we can ensure that our communities get the resources they need both now and in the future is by ensuring that Hillingdon residents complete the survey."

The exhibition explores six distinct areas across the precinct, uncovering an alternate story in each - a cultivating family in Ruislip, Harefield's trench boat local area, Uxbridge's disappeared yards, a market planting organization in Harmondsworth, a 'missing' photographer and designer in Hayes, and West Drayton's own test cricketer and Hollywood star.

To view the online exhibition, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/census-exhibition