Decision details

The Service Director, Democratic Services and Communication provided the Cabinet with an initial update on the planning arrangements for the 2021 Census and the requirements on the Local Authority to work in partnership and assist the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The Service Director informed the Cabinet that the Census would adopt a ‘digital first’ approach, which Members were familiar with from previous engagement due to the current circumstances with Covid-19. It was noted that it would be essential for the Council to work with residents to ensure that the process is as accessible and inclusive as possible.

In order to shed light on long-term trends, while also reflecting the changing society in which we live today, Members were informed of the following three additional areas of information, which would be covered in the 2021 Census:

·         previous service in the UK Armed Forces

·         gender identity

·         sexual orientation

In addition, it was explained that the ONS would provide support for schools in terms of raising awareness of the Census.

The Deputy Leader thanked the Service Director for the report and commented that Census information is vitally important in helping the Council with its forward planning. The Deputy Leader was particularly pleased to note the inclusion of the Armed Forces question and explained that no Council in Wales currently held the appropriate information in relation to serving war veterans.

The Deputy Leader acknowledged the challenges of a digital approach during the current restrictions, but was confident that the Council would provide support to its residents to ensure the Census is accessible.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    That the Council provides support to the ONS for the 2021 Census process;

2.    That the support, as in previous years, will be coordinated by the Council’s Census Liaison Managers with the support of other departments where identified; and

3.    To await further updates leading up to the 2021 Census and a summary of the data post Census in early 2022.