THE response to Census 2021 has exceeded all expectations, with 97 per cent of households across England and Wales making sure they count when it comes to local services like school places, GP surgeries and hospital beds.

This is above the pre-census target of 94 per cent, while all local authorities have seen over 90 per cent of households respond, exceeding an 80 per cent target.

For those who haven’t yet completed the simple online form, time is running out. The online questionnaire will close on May 17.

ONS’s Deputy National Statistician Iain Bell said: “Those who have taken part have done so to ensure they are represented for their local area. I’d like to thank everyone who has filled out their form so far as well as all the community groups, organisations and local authorities who have helped us make this census a success.”

Although Census Day - Sunday, March 21 – has been and gone it is not too late to respond online. It only takes around 10 minutes per person. If you have lost the letter or have a second address you have not visited, go to www.census.gov.uk to request an online code for your address via text. After May 17, only paper questionnaires will be available.