LOCAL libraries in Shropshire will be offering support for people to undertake the 2021 Census digitally, if needed.

Households across Shropshire will soon be required to take part in the Census, which will be the first to be predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their laptops, mobiles or iPads.

As soon as households receive their letter from Monday, March 8, they will be able to complete the questionnaire, based on what their circumstances will be on Sunday, March 21 which is Census Day.

The letter will contain contact details for households to access help and support.

Shropshire Libraries will be offering local support in completing forms digitally, with virtual guidance via MS Teams, over the phone guidance in completing forms and form filling on behalf of the person, and possibly one to one support in selected branches, dependent on Lockdown restrictions.

Paper forms will be available for those people that are unable to complete the Census online.

In the lead up to Census 2021, contact details will be promoted more widely.

Households should be reassured that their responses to the Census will not be shared with other parties or countries. Responses will be stored securely for 100 years to benefit future generations.

Andy Begley, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said: “The success of Census 2021 in Shropshire is only achievable if all households are able to complete the questionnaire online or by requesting a paper questionnaire.

"This means it is essential that local people know where they can get help and support from to make this possible.

“Experience has shown that many households are able to obtain help from trusted friends and family, or will be able to satisfactorily get help through the national help contact centre.

“However, we would encourage households who may be worrying about being able to complete the Census to contact our main libraries to obtain one-to-one help and support from Monday, March 8.”

For more information, people can email censussupport@shropshire.gov.uk or contact their local library.

More details, including how people can get in touch with the council’s library service for help and support with the Census, will be available from Monday, March 1.