Leveryn dhedha agan bos Kernowyon! - Let's tell them we are Cornish!

Gool Peran Lowen dheugh why oll! - Happy St Piran's Feast Day to you all!

(We at KMTU also say, don't forget question 10 - Country of birth - tick 'elsewhere' - write in 'Cornwall' ! Let's send out a clear message!) - now that media release......

Media Release from Cornwall Council:

Spread the word this St Piran’s Day that the Cornish can identify as Cornish on the 2021 Census

Thursday, March 04 2021

This St Piran’s Day as we celebrate all things Cornish, the Council is urging everyone who identifies as Cornish to say it on the 2021 Census survey, which launched on 1 March ahead of Census Day on 21 March.

People here in Cornwall and beyond who want to identify as Cornish on the Census will be able to do so by ticking the box marked ‘other’ under the nationality, ethnicity and language questions and then writing or typing in ‘Cornish’.

Cornish will also be referenced in the Census 2021 online form guidance as an example of a national identity that can be entered by selecting the ‘other’ option.

Leveryn dhedha agan bos Kernowyon - Let’s tell them we are Cornish

Julian German, Leader of Cornwall Council says: “We’re supporting the ONS in their campaign to get everyone to complete the Census. But our particular focus is on encouraging those that identify as Cornish, whether they live here or not, to indicate that when they complete the Census on or before 21 March.”

“If you want your voice to be counted as Cornish when you complete the 2021 Census this month, you can do so and help influence how services are planned and funded in Cornwall, and to provide information about how the Cornish are performing as a group across the country.”

There is also a language question where you may record your language as Cornish if you are a Cornish speaker.

Councillor German adds: “We campaigned hard for the Cornish to get a tick box on the Census but this was not forthcoming even though the Cornish were recognised as national minority in 2014 and so should be treated the same as the other UK Celtic peoples - the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish.

However, as with the Census in 2011, you are able to use the type-in/write- in option on a number of questions to identify as Cornish and we’re urging everyone to share that message and take that opportunity.”

In 2011 59,456 people across England and Wales chose to record their nationality or ethnicity as Cornish by using the write-in option. 52,793 of those identifying as Cornish lived in Cornwall at the time of the Census.

The ONS will, for the first time, produce an analytical report on the population who identify as Cornish and how their health, housing, work and education differs from those who do not identify as Cornish.

Information from the 2021 digital-first census helps everyone from central government to organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services. Census outputs inform where millions of pounds of public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health – on cycle routes, schools and dental surgeries.

Information from the Census is also important in helping lots of other people and organisations do their work.

Charities and voluntary organisations often use it as evidence to get funding. It helps businesses to understand their customers and, for example, decide where to open new shops. Plus, those doing research, like university students and people looking into their family history, use census data. It provides important information on population diversity, allowing organisations to know whether they are meeting their responsibilities and triggering action where necessary.

There’s more information about the Census itself on their website www.census.gov.uk

If you need help completing your Census form when it arrives in March 2021 or have not received a Census form by 21 March 2021

visit: www.census.gov.uk/help or ring the Census Contact Centre on 0800 141 2021. Language support is available via the language helpline on 0800 587 2021.

Notes to editors

Census day is 21 March 2021 in England and Wales.

The census is a survey that takes place every 10 years. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

The survey gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales.

The information you give helps decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing, or cycle routes.

Census 2021 is carried out by the Office for National Statistics. It will be run mostly online, and households will receive letters in March with online codes explaining how they can take part. You will be able to request a paper questionnaire or language support if needed.

It should take about 10 minutes per person to complete.

The latest information on the 2021 Census can be found at: www.census.gov.uk

Contact details

Shirley Northey | Communications Specialist Economic Growth and Development Cornwall Council / Konsel Kernow | Strategy and Engagement

Email: shirley.northey@cornwall.gov.uk | Mobile: 07527 470453 www.cornwall.gov.uk | ‘Onen hag oll’

Cornwall Council

Truro TR1 3AY

Media news releases at: www.cornwall.gov.uk

Postscript: We are aware of the increase in hate speech, threats of violence and repulsive words directed at members of the Cornish National Minority. Many have emailed us directly expressing their shock and upset at this. It occurs mainly when news of Cornwall and the Cornish makes the news agenda. Unmoderated comments columns for which editors fail to take responsibility are then littered with extremely offensive and upsetting remarks of the basest and most filthy nature. We have two volunteers working daily to screenshot this abuse and will be including it in our end of month return to the Devon & Cornwall Police Diversity Team with whom we have been put in contact by the Deputy Chief Constable and the Police & Crime Commissioner, the Council of Europe and to Cornwall Council Diversity Team. Mur ras - the Kernow Matters Co-ordination Team.