IN PREPARATION for the 2021 Census, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will be carrying out a census test in South Somerset this year.

South Somerset District Council is one of seven local authorities across England and Wales chosen to take part in the test on 9 April 2017. ONS will send randomly-selected households in South Somerset a letter three weeks before the test with a unique access code, asking them to fill in their online questionnaire.

The 2021 Census will be mainly online, so ONS needs to ensure systems are working correctly. ONS will also be testing new questions – including one on sexual identity – to find out whether they affect people’s responses.

Rural South Somerset has been selected as a test area as it has a number of communal establishments like hotels and bed and breakfasts, as well as lots of second homes – both traditionally difficult to record in a census, plus a large percentage of people aged 65 and over.

Ben Humberstone, acting Census director, said: “This is a great chance for us to test out our plans for the 2021 Census – including questions, systems and services.

“We can then learn and make improvements before census day.”

“By filling in your online questionnaire you are helping to shape the 2021 Census and therefore the future of both your local area and our country.”

The Census test day will run on April 9.