Last chance to complete your Census 2021

2021 is the first digital first census with most people completing it online

Even though Census Day has been and gone, it is not too late to fill out your form and avoid a fine.

Completing the census is a legal requirement and anyone who does not complete it, or provides false information, could be fined up to £1,000.

Most people have already completed their census online to make sure public services like GP surgeries, hospital beds, school places and public transport, are based on the most up to date information.

Rochdale Borough Council have opened six local libraries where you can see someone to answer any questions you have as well as access the internet for free to complete your census. These are at Number One Riverside in Rochdale town centre, Alkrington Library, Balderstone Library, Castleton Library, Darnhill Library and Spotland Library. You must wear a face covering if you visit, unless you're exempt. You can find the opening times for each library on the Council web site.

There are also two census support centres providing help – Wardleworth Community Centre on South Street in Rochdale and Mainway Insurance on Milkstone Road in Rochdale. Both of these centres offer face to face support through booked appointments, or remote support by telephone. Please contact for assistance. You can find opening times and contact phone numbers on the Census web site.

Elaine Boyle, Census 2021 community engagement manager for Rochdale, said: “Thanks to everyone who has helped us exceed all expectations. But we want to make sure everyone counts and won’t rest until every household has responded. Information you give means all the services we rely on, like school places and emergency services, are planned on accurate information. It’s even used to plan where to build new supermarkets, what food to put on the shelves and how many parent and toddler spaces to put in the car park.”

The census questionnaire is simple, straightforward, and safe to complete online. It only takes 10 minutes per person. All households were sent a letter in the post in early March with instructions for taking part. If you have lost the letter or need a new access code go to www.rochdale.gov.uk/Census2021

You can also call the freephone contact centre on 0800 141 2021.

The Office for National Statistics runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from government. Your details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous.