Uttlesford residents urged to complete the National Census

RESIDENTS across the Uttlesford district are being urged to complete the National Census to make sure public services get the money they need.

The amount of funding the district council, NHS West Essex and Essex Police receive from the government depends on the population counted during the census.

National Census Day is Sunday March 27, and a poor response rate could result in the Government thinking fewer people live in Uttlesford than actually do. This could reduce the amount of funding made available to Uttlesford District Council over the next decade. Indeed, some councils say a poor response rate to the 2001 census has cost them tens of millions of pounds over the past decade.

Leader of the district council Cllr Jim Ketteridge said: “In 2001, 97.9 per cent of households in the district returned their Census 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. I

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

Uttlesford has teamed up with five other Essex councils – Basildon, Braintree, Chelmsford, Maldon and Thurrock – to help share the cost of publicity. Residents will be reminded of the importance through local newspaper and radio adverts in the run up to Census Day.

Residents should complete and return the census form posted through their door, or complete the online version at 2011.census.gov.uk