South Shields town hall to be lit up for Census Day as chiefs stress importance of survey

South Shields town hall is set to be lit up purple this weekend to mark the upcoming census as council chiefs stress its importance to communities.
South Shields Town Hall will be illuminated purple for Census DaySouth Shields Town Hall will be illuminated purple for Census Day
South Shields Town Hall will be illuminated purple for Census Day

‘Census Day’ on Sunday, March 21, is being organised by The Office of National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of the survey that is conducted every ten years.

It aims to give a picture of all the people and households across England and Wales, and has been carried out every decade since 1801 with the exception of 1941.

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It helps to inform the provision of public services throughout the UK, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to properly serve their communities.

South Shields town hall will join more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales to be lit up in the Census 2021 brand colour from Friday 19 March through to Sunday 21 March – Census Day.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “We are delighted to be supporting and raising awareness of the 2021 Census campaign with the lighting up of our beautiful town hall.

“The information gathered from the census is incredibly important to us. It helps us to build a picture of our local communities while informing our planning of vital public services for the future, from schools and waste collection to housing and transport.

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“Like any census of decades gone by, the information gathered provides a unique snapshot of life at a point in time. The 2021 census will also be of particular interest to historians of the future, giving them a fascinating insight into modern society and an understanding of how it has evolved.

“The census benefits everyone. It is important that every household completes and returns their surveys so that we can continue to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our residents and wider communities.”

Households across South Tyneside will be receiving their census letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill their forms in online. Papers forms are available for those who need it, plus a range of other support. To request a paper form or get help or advice, visit www.census.gov.uk or freephone 0800 141 2021.

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, said: “The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital service we all rely on every single day within our communities.

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“We wanted to shine a (purple!) light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to their 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 South Tyneside Council for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history.”

South Tyneside census facts

At the time of the last census….

148,127 people lived in South Tyneside;

53,691 people were married or in a registered same-sex civil partnership;

Bangladesh (726 residents) was the top country of birth other than the UK;

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9.6% travelled to work on a bus, minibus or coach while 10.5% took the train, underground, metro, light rail or tram;

There were 1,513 nurses, 341 ship and hovercraft officers, and six veterinarians.

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