Tweet
We conducted research the day before census envelopes started to land on doormats to find out about people in England and Wales’ understanding of the legalities behind the 2011 census. Our findings show that 51 per cent of people are unaware of how to respond appropriately.
A confused one in six adults (16%) are completely unaware that everyone is legally required to be included in the census, instead believing it is optional. Youngsters (18-34 year olds) are the most unaware, with 30 per cent stating that they thought the census was optional.
Another area causing confusion around completing this year’s census was who should complete the form and how many. Our research shows that over a third (35%) believed that every household member had to fill in the form, rather than just the head of the household.
The most switched on area of the UK to the 2011 census was the South West (56%), followed by the North East and Wales (both 54%). Worryingly, this still leaves nearly half of those in these areas not aware that it is only the head of the house that should fill it in.
Debra Chatfield, our marketing manager (pictured), said: “As the website that scanned and published online the last publicly available census for England & Wales (the 1911 census), we at findmypast.co.uk have had much experience with census forms and the different ways people complete them.
“Census records give family historians a fascinating snapshot of how their ancestors lived and the 2011 census will be no different in revealing our lifestyles to future generations. The rule on who fills in the census hasn’t changed in 17 decades, so it’s surprising that there’s so much confusion, especially as we now have access to so much more information than previous generations. Perhaps it’s symptomatic of our generation for this detail to be lost on us.”
Have you filled in your 2011 census form yet?
More...
A confused one in six adults (16%) are completely unaware that everyone is legally required to be included in the census, instead believing it is optional. Youngsters (18-34 year olds) are the most unaware, with 30 per cent stating that they thought the census was optional.
Another area causing confusion around completing this year’s census was who should complete the form and how many. Our research shows that over a third (35%) believed that every household member had to fill in the form, rather than just the head of the household.
The most switched on area of the UK to the 2011 census was the South West (56%), followed by the North East and Wales (both 54%). Worryingly, this still leaves nearly half of those in these areas not aware that it is only the head of the house that should fill it in.
Debra Chatfield, our marketing manager (pictured), said: “As the website that scanned and published online the last publicly available census for England & Wales (the 1911 census), we at findmypast.co.uk have had much experience with census forms and the different ways people complete them.
“Census records give family historians a fascinating snapshot of how their ancestors lived and the 2011 census will be no different in revealing our lifestyles to future generations. The rule on who fills in the census hasn’t changed in 17 decades, so it’s surprising that there’s so much confusion, especially as we now have access to so much more information than previous generations. Perhaps it’s symptomatic of our generation for this detail to be lost on us.”
Have you filled in your 2011 census form yet?
More...