Published on 7th March 2011

The countdown to the Census has begun and the questionnaires will start being posted out today (Monday 7 March).

Census Day takes place on 27 March and the Office of National Statistics (ONS) is calling on every household to make sure the form is returned.

The information collected is critical to the future planning and delivery of vital community services.

It will also determine the scale of central government funding allocated to Cheltenham Borough Council and other local authorities to support the delivery of those services. Completion of the Census questionnaire is a legal requirement.

Councillor Steve Jordan, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council said:  ''The census is extremely important as it has a direct impact on the future provision of services.  We rely on the statistical information that the census generates to get the funding we need and I urge people to take part.''

Census area manager for Cheltenham, Cotswold, and Swindon, Alex Todd said: "The advertising campaign has commenced, and 240 jobs have been created in this area so far, of which 70 are in Cheltenham. In the current climate when every penny of funding counts, it's vital that everyone takes part in the Census so we can properly plan services for the future."

Residents can look out for help in completing their Census forms through promotions in their local area, they can also visit www.Census.gov.uk



For press enquiries, contact: Katie Sandey, communications team leader, telephone 01242 775050 or email: [email protected]