To brief Cabinet on the support being given to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as it prepares for the national census on 27 March 2011.

To seek Members’ active support in encouraging residents to complete their census forms.

THAT Cabinet:

(a)                     Recognised the importance of supporting the Office for National Statistics to ensure that the 2011 Census response is maximised in Herefordshire;

(b)                     Noted the ongoing liaison activities; and

(c)                     Encouraged all Members to use the information in ONS’ Councillor Handbook to help spread the word in their communities.

To ensure a successful census, i.e. a high response rate across all areas of the county and all population groups.

The alternative is not actively supporting ONS, which could result in poorer coverage of the census in Herefordshire and reputational damage.  This would have financial implications and undermine data quality.