How the Office for National Statistics (ONS) uses your census data animation transcript

ONS Spokesperson:
The census is undertaken by the Office for National Statistics every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

The statistics produced from census and other data help the government, local authorities, health services and other businesses to plan services in your area.

These include areas like healthcare, transport, housing, education and retail.

By filling in the census questionnaire, you played your part in building a better picture of us all.

All our systems, staff and suppliers, and the way we do things, meet strict government standards, providing you with the confidence to trust us with your data.

Your confidentiality is protected by law.

This means your data cannot be used by the government to impact things like benefit claims, a residency application, immigration status or taxes.

Once you’ve submitted your online or paper census form, we use your information, such as name and address, to make sure everyone is only counted once.

We anonymise all information before we publish statistics, so none of your personal details are released.

Your census record will be kept secure for 100 years.

We may supplement the census with other anonymised information to create a richer image of the population.

These data are protected very carefully, in the same way as we protect census information.

They are only provided to us to produce statistics.

We all use public and local services, whether it’s a trip to the doctor, taking the children to school, commuting to work or buying food at the local supermarket.

You’ve helped organisations plan the services we all need.

Now and in the future.