Statement by TUV Ballymena councillor Matthew Armstrong:
“Today is the start of the 2021 census. For the first time the census will be largely online with an estimate of just 20% of people of households being automatically sent a paper form, mainly elderly people and those with poor internet. Everyone will receive an invitation to take part in the census in the post in the next week or so. The information most will receive in the post will include a 16-character access code which will be used to identify you and permit you to complete your census return at census.gov.uk/ni.
“You will need to request a paper copy of the census form if you feel uncomfortable completing the form online.
“It is very important to complete the census, not least because everyone is required to do so by law. It helps inform government policy including the level of funding which goes to your area and the provision of health and other services. There will also be those who will seek to use the census to make arguments about Northern Ireland’s future so it is important to make sure your voice is heard.
“I would encourage everyone to complete their return as soon as they receive the details in the post and have the matter addressed in good time. There is no need to wait until census day, 21st March.”