They will remind the householder of their obligation to return their completed census form and offer assistance in how to complete and return the form. If required, the enumeration period can be extended to give more time for form completion. People in rural England and Wales traditionally respond very well to the census and it remains in their best interests to do so. The census information is used to plan public spending and services for local communities for the next ten years. These include the location of health centres, transport routes, school places, playgroup nurseries and other services.
Businesses also use the information to locate services.
We are confident that we can conduct a high quality census in affected areas. Rural areas in England and Wales have responded well to past censuses and their support will be an important factor in 2001. In addition, rural areas have less property in multiple occupancy therefore the risk of 'losing' a household is reduced. It is easier to identify residential properties and census-takers will be equipped with detailed maps produced especially for each enumeration district. There is often a better local knowledge of individual properties amongst local people and the enumerator than in some cities.