Fill out your census and save local services

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Filling out your census form isn’t conventionally seen as a form of activism. It is, in many ways, the perfect example of faceless, dull bureaucracy. It’s a hurdle that we all need to cross every ten years, but there’s precious little joy to be had in completing it. Also, as others have explained elsewhere, there are legitimate concerns over the company who are conducting the survey.

But today, as the census takes place across the country, it’s important to remember that these forms aren’t just a case of boring box-ticking. They inform a range of government decisions that are absolutely crucial – especially in tough times.

Local services are partially funded by (shrinking) government grants to councils. If you don’t fill out your census form, you may be fined. But you’re also punishing your local authority. If you don’t fill out your census form, you don’t exist in terms of central government allocations. For every person who forgets to complete their form, can’t be bothered or makes a point of not doing so, the squeeze on public services gets a little tighter.

Tonight, the best way you can fight the cuts is to make sure your local area gets the funding it deserves. Fill out your census.