In 2027, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will hold a Census Test. This is a large-scale data-collection exercise across England and Wales to help prepare for Census 2031.
We will be asking some people in England and Wales to respond to a questionnaire. Like a scientific experiment, we will be taking different approaches in different places to help us understand which are the most effective methods.
Background
What is the Census Test?
In 2027, we plan to invite 120,000 households across six local authorities to fill in a questionnaire. Most people will receive an invitation to complete the questionnaire online, with alternative routes for completion where needed, including paper forms.
We will ask a further sample of 100,000 households in other parts of England and Wales to provide responses.
Additionally, we will invite all students living in halls of residence in two cities to provide responses, through the same routes.
What are you testing?
We are looking at different ways of running a large data-collection operation to help us choose the best approaches for Census 2031. For example, we will be looking at trialling:
different ways of encouraging people to provide responses
new technical capabilities for our contact centre
simplifying the authentication process for online responses
doorstep completion with field officers and telephone completion with the contact centre
using alternative data sources to identify vacant properties, and helping to target the supply of paper questionnaires
new ways to engage students in halls of residence
Some people will have different experiences of the Census Test to others. The results will help us to identify the best approaches and rule out methods that are less effective.
While taking part in the Census Test is voluntary, you are helping us plan how to design the next census. Organisations such as local authorities and charities use census information to understand services such as transport, education and healthcare.
Where are you testing?
Testing will focus on the following six local authorities:
Breckland
Cardiff
Monmouthshire
Newcastle upon Tyne
North Norfolk
Westminster
Some people living outside these areas will also be invited to take part.
The six local authorities have been selected because collectively they:
contain a mix of urban and rural areas
include some areas with low digital propensity
include Welsh-speaking areas
contain universities
have not recently been used in census testing, such as the test in 2017 and rehearsal in 2019
How will students take part in Census Test 2027?
Students living in halls of residence in Cardiff and Newcastle will be invited to provide online responses. This includes international students. We will test new ways to engage with this group by working with universities and private hall providers.
By taking part, students will help us understand how we can encourage others like them to take part and learn more about student life. This will help inform decisions for Census 2031.
How will you use the data?
Taking part in the Census Test in England and Wales is voluntary. The data you provide will not be used for statistical outputs nor shared beyond the ONS. They will only be used to inform decisions about the Census 2031 operation.
The ONS has a proven track record of protecting sensitive data, built over many decades of delivering the census in England and Wales, and the UK's biggest regular household surveys. See our privacy policy for information on how we keep your data secure.