In England, Wales and Northern Ireland millions of people take part in the once-a-decade census.

This year people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are being asked to complete the survey online, with unique access codes being sent out to households because of the pandemic.

According to BBC, for the first time it includes voluntary questions for over-16s on gender identity and sexual orientation.

The Office for National Statistics says the 2021 census will provide insights into the impact of the pandemic and Brexit on people’s lives.

By law, you must complete or be accounted for in the census. Those who fail to fill it in or give false information can be fined up to £1,000.

In Scotland, the census has been delayed to March 2022 as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

ONS Deputy national statistician, Iain Bell, who is organising the census in England and Wales, said:

“It helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future.

“We’ve already had a fantastic response to the census through our engagement work across the country.

“Now I’d encourage everyone who can, to complete their questionnaire, whether that be on your laptops, phones or computers.

“It takes around 10 minutes per person and if you can’t get online, there are paper forms available for those who need them. Now is the time to make your mark on history.”

In addition to new voluntary questions on sexual orientation and gender identity, for the first time people will be asked about whether they have served in the armed forces.

Campaigners have welcomed the inclusion of a question on gender for the first time as a “good first step”.