U.K. Census begins March 1

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The British national survey will begin March 1.

The census is mandatory for all persons living in England and Wales, including all American personnel.

"As guests in the U.K. and representatives of our great nation, it is our responsibility to participate just as we would for a census back home in the U.S.," said Maj. Gen. Mark R. Zamzow, 3rd Air Force commander.

As in the United States, the information collected by the census is used to produce statistics for central and local government, health authorities, municipal districts, and many other organizations.

"Accurate statistics are critical for both strategic and tactical planning and help ensure national and regional government to identify and quantify the needs of all constituents in the community, including American servicemembers and their families," said Sdn. Ldr. Jerry Neild, Royal Air Force commander for RAF Lakenheath

Under the survey, American personnel are categorized as Usual Residents, defined as persons who have stayed or intend to stay in the U.K. for three months or more beginning on or before Census day. This includes personnel staying in local billeting that are transferring in or out and all other U.S. citizens working in the U.K., such as Defense Commissary Agency employees, school personnel, etc. Personnel who are on temporary duty to the U.K., no matter the duration, are not counted.

For individuals living off-base, official census forms will be delivered to their homes by Royal Mail between March 7 and 19. For those living in base housing or dormitories, forms may be picked up at the parcel window of the base Post Office beginning March 14.

There will be three questionnaires applicable to American personnel.

The H1 Household Questionnaire begins with household and dwelling questions and contains individual questionnaires for six people and three visitors. Household questionnaires are provided with a pre-paid envelope for return through Royal Mail.

For those who have not been included on an H1 elsewhere, each person is required to complete a separate I1 Individual Questionnaire.

Finally, for households containing more than six people, there is the HC Household Continuation Questionnaire. This is similar to an H1 but without the household questions at the front. Residents must contact the census helpline at 03000 201 101 to receive one.

All Individual and Household Questionnaires may be completed online at www.census.gov.uk by using the personal Internet access code on the front of the questionnaire. If the census is completed online, the paper questionnaire must be destroyed.

If an individual is incapable of completing the Census questionnaire through absence, such as TDY or deployment, the individual's spouse, commanding officer, supervisor, or dorm manager needs to complete a questionnaire on their behalf, said General Zamzow.

"For just a few minutes work either on paper or online, American citizens residing in the U.K. can support their community and themselves by being accurate and conscientious," said Squadron Leader Nield.

Specific Instructions for Americans for the 2011 U.K. Census can be found here.