Surrey buildings to be lit up in purple to mark Census 2021

Seven buildings across Surrey county will be lit up in purple this weekend to mark Census 2021.

The census, which will be held on Sunday, 21 March, is a unique survey that takes place every ten years to provide a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales. 

Woking shopping centre, Camberley Theatre, The Atrium in Camberley, Guildford Castle, Guildford Guildhall, Guildford Tunsgate Arch and Dorking Halls, will join more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by lighting up purple to celebrate the upcoming census and its importance to communities.

Other iconic landmarks including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower are signed up for the celebration.

Surrey residents should look out for their census letter with a unique access code for them to fill in their census online. Taking part in the census will ensure Surrey receives its share of public funding. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to provide the services Surrey needs.

Pete Benton, The Office for National Statistics (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 within our communities.

“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 Surrey residents for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history”.

For further information and support, or to request a paper form, residents can visit the Census website www.census.gov.uk or call the support centre on 0800 141 2021.

ENDS

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.