With Census Day less than two weeks away, preparations for this year's survey are in full swing.

Run by the Office for National Statistics, the Census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all people and households in England and Wales.

Letters have been sent out to all households, and people are being urged to complete them on Sunday, March 21st.

"A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales," Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the ONS, said.

"It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. We've already had a fantastic response to the Census through our engagement work across the country. Now I'd encourage everyone who can, to complete their questionnaire, whether that be on your laptops, phones or computers.

"It takes around 10 minutes per person, and if you can't get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. Now is the time to make your mark on history."

Census 2021 is coming at a critical point. It will be fundamental to understanding the impact the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit have had on communities across England and Wales.

The information will inform Government decisions on public services, including hospitals, schools, universities and job centres.

The census includes questions about people's sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there is a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

For those who can't get online, paper questionnaires are available on request, along with language support. People can also complete the Census over the phone with help from staff via the freephone contact centre.

Census field officers will follow up with households after March 21st if they haven't completed their questionnaire. The Government is assuring householders that the staff will never enter a house, will wear PPE and will observe social distancing guidelines.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years.

To complete your Census, and to find out how to get help, visit the census website or call 0800 141 2021.