By Legal Futures’ Associates Finders International [1]
The next census of England and Wales took place on Sunday 21 March—a survey that happens every ten years and which provides a unique snapshot in time.
Every household in England and Wales must fill in the census. The information provided helps organisations make decisions on planning and what is needed to fund local services in different areas of the countries.
The last census took place on 27 March 2011. The population of England and Wales at that time was 56,075,912. What was the information gathered used for? It showed how many people worked in different occupations and industries, so the data helped inform new jobs and training policies and investment decisions.
Influence on housing policies
The survey covered housing and occupants, measuring inadequate accommodation and the way we live as households, so it could influence housing policies. Ethnic group data helped identify the extent and nature of disadvantage in the UK, evaluating equal opportunities policies.
In addition, data on the age and socio-economic make-up of the population, people’s general health, long-term illness and carers can be used by health and social services, while information collected on travel to and from work looks at the pressure on transport systems.
Danny Curran, Finders International [2] CEO and founder, said: “While it is a legal requirement for everyone to complete the census as this information has so many implications for public services in England and Wales, the census is a vital tool for everyone who works in probate genealogy.
Rightful beneficiaries to an estate
“When people die without any known next of kin and no valid Will in place, the census allows us to find mention of their families, helping us to locate siblings and their children, so that we can trace the rightful beneficiaries to an estate.”
The 1921 census will be published online early next year by Findmypast [3], the genealogical website that has been selected as The National Archives’ commercial partner. The 1921 census was the first to be conducted after the introduction of the Census Act of 1920, which required more information to be recorded.
At that time, there were about 38 million people in England and Wales, though population growth was the lowest it had been since the census started, reflecting the impact of the First World War.
In addition to the questions asked in the 1911 census, the 1921 survey asked householders where they worked, the industry they worked in and the materials they worked with. It also asked about education and was the first where individual householders could submit separate returns.
Those aged 15 and older were asked to provide information about their marital status, including if divorced, while those under 15 were asked about whether both/either of their parents were alive.
Finders International [4] trace missing beneficiaries to estates, properties and assets. To see a full list of our services [5], please visit our website [4]. Alternatively, you can contact us via telephone +44(0) 20 7490 4935 or email contact@findersinternational.co.uk [6]