With the 2021 Census coming up, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed a new community adviser for Kirklees to support the Indian Community residents and help make the census a success.
Harkishan Mistry, the new Census Community Advisor, will help community leaders, organisations and charities within the Batley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield area raise awareness of the census and the value to residents in taking part.
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that provides a snapshot of households in England and Wales, helping to plan and fund public services.
Everyone across England and Wales will be asked to take part and the information people give will decide how services are planned and funded.
Ultimately, it’s goal is to ensure funds are invested in emergency services, health care, school places and other vital services.
Speaking on his appointment, Harkishan Mistry said: “I am really happy to be doing this role as everyone benefits from the census.
“It informs decisions nationally and locally on vital services, like mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, emergency services and also issues like diversity.”
Due to the ongoing pandemic, for the first time, the census will be run primarily online, and people will be able complete the questionnaire on their phone, computer or tablet.
Paper questionnaires will be available for those who want to or are unable to fill out the form online.
Local Census support centres will also be offering help to those needing guidance All census staff will operate in line with the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance.
Speaking about the importance of community engagement, Pete Benton, Director of Census and Survey Operations, said: “The census engagement managers and community advisers we have appointed have a critical role in making sure everyone understands why the census is important and making sure all households across England and Wales know why it is important to take part and how to get the help they need.”
The 2021 Census will include a new question on veterans of the UK Armed Forces, as well as voluntary questions, for those aged 16 and over, on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The census will be held on 21 March 2021. While results will be available the following year, all personal records will be locked away for 100 years and kept safe for future generations.