Hillingdon Council is urging the borough's residents to take part in the national census this March.

The once-a-decade survey for England and Wales is run by the Office for National Statistics, and collects valuable data on the population, which can then affect how local authorities plan services.

Cllr Ian Edwards, leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “We’re encouraging all households in Hillingdon to take part in the census.

“The information residents provide will be used to help plan and determine funding for public services like transport, education, and healthcare for local people, so it’s really important everyone takes part.”

This year census day is on Sunday 21 March and it is a legal requirement to complete it, with a fine of up to £1,000 for not doing so.

The 2021 census is the first one to be carried out mainly online, and households will receive a code allowing them to fill in the survey on a digital device such as a laptop or smartphone from early March.

Hillingdon council is opening four Census Support Centres to help those without computer access or who need additional support.

Support locations include the adult learning centres in Brookfield, Harlington and South Ruislip as well as the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.

However, this year’s census could be the last one ever, as Professor Sir Ian Diamond, the UK’s national statistician, said last year that he was hopeful a better, cheaper alternative could be found for collecting such mass data.

The first official survey of the population of England, Wales and Scotland began in 1801, before Scotland took responsibility for their own in 1861.

The 2011 census showed the Hillingdon population was 273,936 with approximately 50% males and 50% females.

Look out for more information on the council’s website and social media channels or visit census.gov.uk.