Census countdown - the clock is ticking

This is a major survey of all the people and households in the country which takes place every ten years, and it is crucial for Southend to count its residents accurately on that date. At the last Census ten years ago Southend was believed to have been undercounted by up to 17,000 residents.

This is a particular concern for Southend Together - the borough's local strategic partnership, whose members include key local public, private and community organisations such as Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, NHS South East Essex, Essex Police and Southend Association of Voluntary Services.

The Government calculates its funding for the borough according to the official population figures recorded by the census. This is why the figures need to be correct.  Accurate population figures also support bids for additional support and investment.

If those 17,000 "lost" residents had been counted, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council alone would now be receiving up to £8.5million more every year with less need to reduce spending or put up taxes.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Chief Executive, Rob Tinlin says: "It is in everyone's interest for vital for full and correct information to be recorded.  Future decisions and funding allocations for education, health, transport and many more public services are made on the basis of the National Census.

"We want to make sure that in future, Southend receives the funding and investment it is entitled to.

"We urge everyone to fill in their census form when it arrives. There is nothing to fear about filling in the form and sending it back, and completing it will help our whole community. We would also like to reassure everyone that the Census data is strictly confidential and individual details are not shared with other organisations or Government departments.

"Members of the Southend Together partnership are working closely to find the best ways to sure all members of our community know about the Census and receive all the help and support they need when the time comes to fill the necessary forms in.  Watch out for more information throughout the next year."

The Office for National Statistics is conducting the census. In March 2011 each household in England and Wales will receive a questionnaire either through the post or delivered by hand. These questionnaires can then be completed and returned by post, or can be completed using the new secure online questionnaire.

A population census has been carried out every ten years in Britain from 1801 to 2001 - except in 1941 - aggregated data from previous censuses and the details of the 1911 Census are now available on the internet at http://www.1911census.co.uk/

Further details of the 2011 National Census are on, (website no longer available) For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702 215000 ext 5505 or email media@southend.gov.uk.