County hall to be lit in purple to help raise awareness of the census

COUNTY Hall in Carmarthenshire will join more than 100 buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by lighting up purple to celebrate the upcoming census and its importance to communities.

The event is being organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of census day on March 21, a survey that happens every 10 years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

Other iconic landmarks including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower are signed up for the celebration, which will see them light up in the Census 2021 brand colour from Friday, March 19 through to March 21.

The census helps inform the provision of public services throughout the UK, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to properly serve their communities.

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, said: “The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital services we all rely on every single day within our communities.

“We wanted to shine a light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to their local areas, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in.

“We’re thrilled with all the support we have received so far and would like to thank Carmarthenshire County Council for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history.”

County Hall in Carmarthen will light up purple on March 19 for Census weekend.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Emlyn Dole, said: “We are delighted to be joining this national event by illuminating County Hall to recognise the importance of the census.”

Every household in England and Wales will now be receiving their census letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill in their census online.

Papers forms are available for those who need it, plus a range of other support.