Going purple for Census 2021

Harrow’s Civic Centre and the iconic Zoroastrian Centre on Alexandra Avenue will join more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales lighting up purple to celebrate the upcoming census and its importance to communities.

The event is being organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of census day on March 21, a survey that happens every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

Other iconic landmarks including the BT Tower and Blackpool Tower are signed up for the celebration, which will see them light up in the Census 2021 brand colour this weekend.

The census helps decide how public services are delivered. It helps determine things like the number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to serve the community.

It also helps to ensure that services are appropriate, with information on ethnicity, languages spoken and religion also captured.

The last census in 2011 showed Harrow to be one of the most religiously diverse places in the country. 40 different religions are practised in the borough, including Zoroastrianism, with more than 90% of residents recording that they have a religious belief.

Malcolm Deboo, President of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, said, “We’re delighted to support the census by lighting up this great Harrow landmark we call home.

“Completing the census, whatever your background, shows that you care about your community and its future.”

Leader of Harrow Council, Cllr Graham Henson, said, “The census is for everyone. It will paint a picture of our diverse borough and ensure that the needs of local people are fully represented in decision-making.”

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, commented:

“The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital services we all rely on every single day.

“We wanted to shine a (purple!) light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to local areas, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in.

“We’re thrilled with all the support we have received so far and would like to thank Harrow for getting involved. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history”

Every household in England and Wales will now be receiving their census letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill in their census online. 

Census day is March 21, but you can fill yours in as soon as you receive your letter if you’re confident there will be no change in who usually lives in your household. 

Papers forms are available for those who need them, plus a range of other support. If you need any help, or to request a paper form, you can visit the census website www.census.gov.uk. 

The census support line (freephone 0800 141 2021 in England and 0800 169 2021 in Wales) is available if you can’t find the help you need online.

For further information on Census 2021, visit https://census.gov.uk/.

For further information or any other media enquiries please contact censuspressoffice@mcsaatchi.com

Notes to Editors

About Census 2021

Everyone benefits from the census. It informs decisions nationally and locally on vital services and issues like diversity. Ultimately it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GP’s and dentists’ services based on the information people give. We’ve made it easier for people to complete the census online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.

The next census will be held on 21st March 2021 in England and Wales and results will be available the following year. However personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

About the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

The Office for National Statistics produces the numbers that matter most– on the economy and business, people, population and communities. Operating impartially and free of political control, we are mobilising the power of data to help Britain make better decisions and improve lives.