Census 2011: Uttlesford residents get their forms

RESIDENTS across Uttlesford are receiving their Census forms ahead of Census Day on Sunday March 27.

Thousands of people in the district will already have got the distinctive purple and white envelope through their door and by Census Day, some 26 million forms will have been distributed across England and Wales.

The amount of funding organisations including Uttlesford District Council, NHS West Essex and Essex Police receive from the government depends on the population counted during the census, so it is vital that everyone who lives in Uttlesford fills in the form.

Census area manager for Uttlesford Colin Lippitt said: “Once people get their form they can fill it in or, if they prefer, do it online at census.gov.uk

“Census statistics enable the authorities in England and Wales plan properly for the future of many services, including school places, housing, roads, emergency services and much more.”

Leader of Uttlesford District Council Cllr Jim Ketteridge said: “At the last census in 2001, 97.9 per cent of households in the district returned their form and this helped protect the money we get from central government for local services.

“We had a high response rate but we need to make sure this year’s census has an equally high or better return.

“It is very important as it will make sure the services that residents rely on are properly funded.”