A unique access code will allow boaters to complete their census forms online.
Jeremy burge
COME TO YOUR
CENSUS Ahead of a census in March, the Office for National Statistics explains how liveaboard boaters can take part in the population questionnaire
I
n March 2021, every household in England and Wales will be expected to complete their census questionnaire – and, of course, that includes all people living on boats. The census is for everyone. Once every 10 years, it helps build the most complete picture of the country. The whole population has the chance to provide information that ensures all communities are represented in decisions on funding and services. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools or new transport routes. Everyone – from young adults to the elderly and including visitors from overseas – must take part if they are here on 21st March 2021, or are usually resident in England and Wales. For the first time, it will be a primarily online census, making it easy for most people to complete on any device. However, while the census will be digital first, online support centres and paper questionnaires will be available for those who need them.
Liveaboard engagement Liveaboard boaters will receive a letter, either by hand from a census officer or in the post in March next year, with details of how to take part. The method depends on whether the mooring is registered with Royal Mail or not. If registered with Royal Mail, the Office for National Statistics will send a letter containing a unique access code to allow boaters to complete their online census form. If someone is not registered with Royal Mail and lives in a marina, a census officer will deliver the letter. If people live on a permanent mooring or other location, the ONS will send a census officer to deliver forms to any households they can find. During March 2021, even if people are away cruising on their boat, they will still be required to take part in the decennial event. The advice from ONS is to complete the questionnaire before you go.
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If a boater is not registered with Royal Mail and lives in a marina, a census officer will deliver the letter. The same goes for boaters on permanent moorings in other locations – the ONS will send a census officer to deliver forms to any households they can find.
“My advice for liveaboards is to make sure you have a postal point if you have a mooring,” says ONS’s Iain Bell.
Winter 2020 22/10/2020 08:29
