Census Topic

Quite a lot of helpful info here about the census (linked specifically to the issue of 'jedi knight' as religion).

http://census-campaign.org.uk/faq/jedi-knights/

I'm also rather concerned about the military company doing the research. Obviously there are strict rules, but surely someone could have foresaw that would be (politically) a rather sensitive decision. Baffling.

tbh, the 'Big brother is watching' tag is quite stupid. ONS (who will process most of the information afaik) are pretty good in my experience, and despite some notable privacy/sensitive information cock-ups in the past they are quite careful with sensitive data. Plus, the information they collect is used to influence government policy. If you care about policy advice being based on the truth then as far as I can tell I don't see much point in scribbling in the wrong answers. Obviously ministers and politicians can fudge the actual policies they choose to make based on lies and popular opinion, but it is often census data that is used to disprove their malarky.

But of course, we could all just scribble in the wrong info and get statistics as reliable as those collected in say, the Gambia or North Korea. /troll

Dad rant over*

*Not a dad

Last week did you have long term illness/disability?

No, I was deaf last week and became hearing this week and got rid of my hearing aids that I've had the last 22 years.

really?
that's awesome, i didn't think it happened very often

Quite a lot of helpful info here about the census (linked specifically to the issue of 'jedi knight' as religion).

http://census-campaign.org.uk/faq/jedi-knights/

That makes a lot of sense. I was going to be silly and put Inglip, but actually I will be sensible and put no religion now.

really?
that's awesome, i didn't think it happened very often

I should have put a smiley there. I'm still deaf.

If you care about policy advice being based on the truth then as far as I can tell I don't see much point in scribbling in the wrong answers. Obviously ministers and politicians can fudge the actual policies they choose to make based on lies and popular opinion, but it is often census data that is used to disprove their malarky.

This. I mean, the Tories don't care much for evidence based policy making anyway (see Gove, immigration), but if you shred the form or make up crazee answers you're just giving them carte blanche to fuck the country up even more.

Aside from problems with US arms firms processing the data, whats peoples problems with the census?

What is the state's problem with people not filling it in ?

All data gathered is also covered by the Data Protection Act, so it shouldn't be used for anything other than the stated intent.

Function creep.

"Last week did you have long term illness/disability?"

No, I was deaf last week and became hearing this week and got rid of my hearing aids that I've had the last 22 years.

: D

Done it, on-line. painless (almost). Took 5 minutes.

Only question I had a problem with was 15- What is your ethnic group? As a mongrel with no clear group that I know I never normally answer this one. I wasn't allowed to proceed without writing something so ended up with
B. Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups/any other Mixed/Multiple ethnic background. (write in) -Mixed
Stupid question.

Done it, on-line. painless (almost). Took 5 minutes.

Only question I had a problem with was 15- What is your ethnic group? As a mongrel with no clear group that I know I never normally answer this one. I wasn't allowed to proceed without writing something so ended up with
B. Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups/any other Mixed/Multiple ethnic background. (write in) -Mixed
Stupid question.

There is no box for 'racist' which I find a bit racist.

Can I submit an empty census form to avoid a fine?

Empty out of principle or laziness Hippy?
Send a 'spoiled' census form (like ballot form) or a soiled one

nah, sorry

funnily enough, my mad landlord just thrust it to me and said ' If you dont do it I could go to jail'

better than the other day when I suggested doing it to him, and he said ' I dont do these fucking things, besides Ive only got this (made a small pinch with his fingers gesture) much fucking life left'- I loled.........

Currently filling mine in. Wondering how little information I can get away with giving them. To the question "How would you describe your national identity?" I've answered Other, none.

Why do they need the name and address of my employer? The HMRC already have this!

Empty out of principle or laziness Hippy?
Send a 'spoiled' census form (like ballot form) or a soiled one

I'd like to contribute but I don't want the yanks getting my info.

good job hippy...stay firm

I've lost my census form. Moving house soon anyway so I don't care.

Perhaps move this to private hippy as you've told the yanks that you're not giving them your info

You can do it online.

Perhaps move this to private hippy as you've told the yanks that you're not giving them your info

Oh, okay then.

I'll give them someone's info...

Currently filling mine in. Wondering how little information I can get away with giving them. To the question "How would you describe your national identity?" I've answered Other, none.

I did exactly the same - ticked 'Other, write in' and wrote NONE.

Filled it in with little as possible info, signed it and licked and closed the envelope.

Wife says "So now they've got your DNA too"

Fuuuuu!!

if you don't fill it out, how will they know you haven't done it?

They'll send someone to every address where a form hasn't been recieved from to enquire