Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Census 2021: Covid-19

Thursday 25 March 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Office for National Statistics has assessed the census operation and made adjustments to ensure public and staff safety during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The ONS has taken extensive measures including telephone call centres to request paper forms for those who are digitally excluded.
  • The Minister encourages all Members to familiarise themselves with the ONS census website for full details on support available for form completion.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve McCabe Lab
Context

The question arises due to concerns over the ongoing covid-19 pandemic's effect on completing the 2021 census.

Question

What assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the completion of the 2021 census?

Answer from Chloe Smith

The Office for National Statistics has assessed the census operation and made adjustments to ensure public and staff safety. The ONS remains on target to deliver a high-quality census, encouraging those who have not yet completed it to do so.

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Q2 Steve McCabe Lab
Education Economy Science & Technology
Context

Research suggests that approximately 40% of those aged 75 and over are digitally excluded, raising concerns about the fairness and representativeness of a digital-first census.

Question

With research suggesting that 40% of those aged 75-plus are digitally excluded, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the now largely digital census does not result in a grossly skewed picture affecting long-term service provision for elderly people?

Answer from Chloe Smith

The ONS has taken extensive measures including telephone call centres to request paper forms, various types of support available for form completion, and extra assistance for communities that need it. The Minister encourages all Members to familiarise themselves with the ONS census website for fuller details.

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