Raising Awareness for the Census

Tue, 24 May 2011 18:00 in Discussion Forums

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Steve McCabe MP

Where: Central Library, Birmingham
Time: 18:00
With: Steve McCabe MP

Summary

This seminar was organised to raise awareness among Birmingham citizens, in particular minority groups, concerning the 2011 Census. Seminar participants included graduate students from University of Birmingham and Keele as well as representatives of local interfaith and intercultural dialogue organisations. Steve McCabe, Labour MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak, outlined the importance of the census for giving an accurate picture of the population and its needs in different regions and responded to the questions of participants. It was a helpful and interesting evening.

What is the census?, Why do we need a census?

A census is a count of the population. We have had one in the UK every ten years to find out more about who we are as a nation. We ask everyone to tell us a bit about themselves to help census users decide how best to plan and deliver the everyday services we all need – like housing, education, healthcare and transport. The census will take place on 27 March 2011 and you will receive your questionnaire in the middle of March.
A lot’s changed over the last ten years. But what - exactly?

How many more people live in England and Wales compared with ten years ago? What kind of people are they? And what services do they need in their area? One way to find out is to count them. We have to find out how people’s lives and needs have changed, so that government and local authorities plan the kind of services you and everyone else needs. So on 27 March 2011, every household in England and Wales must complete a census questionnaire. Everyone needs to take part – including you.

Biography of Steve McCabe MP

Steve McCabe MP has been a Birmingham MP since 1997. He was born and brought up in Port Glasgow. He trained as a social worker and worked with young offenders before moving to Wolverhampton. He’s spent most of his life in Birmingham. He also lectured and was an Adviser for CCETSW before he became an MP.As a councillor he was responsible for the award winning South Birmingham Study where local residents won the battle against an unnecessary road building programme. At Westminster he has continued his interest in social care but also concentrated on his other passion: police; security; and community safety.He was Charles Clarke’s PPS at the Department of Education and at the Home Office and spent several years as a Government Whip where as Lord Commissioner he signed for Northern Rock at the height of the banking crisis.