Important to be accurate with Census

Your readers will now have received the letter from the Government requiring completion of the 10-year census as at March 21.

As a member of Humanists UK, I would like to ask them to give proper consideration as to how they answer the question: “What is your religion?”

The question has in the past led people to answer with the religion to which their family has traditionally subscribed, even though they no longer believe in or practise that religion. In 2011 the consequence was that, compared with more accurate surveys, the number of non-religious people was cut in half. In the East Midlands the non-religious make up 54% of the population, according to the British Social Attitudes survey, which is the most extensive annual survey of the UK public, compared to only 28% in the Census.

This matters because Census results are used by the Government to make important policy decisions including the allocation of funds to such services such as education, health, social and pastoral care. The data is also used to justify compulsory Christian worship in state schools and the continuing programme of opening more state faith schools, as well as the ongoing presence of 26 unelected bishops voting in Parliament.

The Census is a once in a decade opportunity for the non-religious to make sure that they are counted. The leading nature of the question has over the past ten years caused the non-religious to be under-represented in government decisionmaking. It is essential that we do not allow this to continue for another ten years. So if you’re not religious, say so!

John Catt, A member of Humanists UK www.humanism.org.uk