The MP for Congleton has encouraged residents to "promptly" complete their census forms.

Information packs with unique access codes are being sent out and should arrive in the next few days if they have not already.

Held once every decade, the census collects information on householders across the country to better plan local services and infrastructure.

Fiona Bruce, MP for the Congleton constituency, said: "People might be tempted to think that this is a box-ticking information exercise but the information it provides helps Westminster, Whitehall and local councils in their aim to provide better services targeted at where they are most needed.

"When decisions are made about the future of the Congleton constituency, they are informed by accurate up to date information such as our health, our age, and the distance we travel to work".

Operating in line with the government's latest Covid-19 guidance, field officers employed by the Office of National Statistics will be deployed across the country to contact those who have not yet responded offering help and advice where needed.

Mrs Bruce added: "It is also not too late to ask for a paper copy if you are not happy or unable to complete the form online. Anyone who has difficulty with this need only call my constituency office for help."

The form takes around 10 minutes for each person to fill out and is legally required.

Jane Burns, executive director of corporate services for Cheshire East Council, said: "We are delighted to be helping the ONS in their delivery of Census 2021 in these extremely challenging times."

To receive the census guidance in another language or to have your census in a different accessible format, such as large print or braille, visit census.gov.uk/help or call the Office for National Statistics contact centre on 0800 141 2021.