The survey details show that, on a regional basis, people living in the South West (81%) and the East Midlands (79%) were most likely to have already received a Census form. In contrast, only two thirds (65%) of those living in Greater London claim to have received a Census form as of last weekend. Recent awareness of the Census has increased significantly though, especially during the two weeks since the weekend of 6 to 8 April. Currently, just one out of 10 adults is unaware that a Census is taking place, compared with almost four out of 10 (38%) in early April.

In addition, just over half (54%) of those aware of the 2001 Census correctly gave the date as 29 April, compared with only 6% two weeks previously. Amongst those aware of the Census, almost three out of 10 (29%) said that this was as a result of receiving a leaflet, whilst a quarter (24%) said it was due to a Census form distributor calling at their property and informing them that the Census was taking place. More than a third (35%) claimed to have seen a TV programme or advertising, but only 16% said they had become aware of the Census through articles or advertising in newspapers.

According to Sue Homeyard, Director Omnibus Services at TNS, "It is encouraging that there has been such a substantial increase in awareness of the Census in a matter of just a few weeks. However, with Census day now less than a week away, it would appear that a significant number of people have still not received a Census form and distributors in some areas are likely to be faced with a considerable challenge to meet the delivery deadline." The research was undertaken on Taylor Nelson Sofres’ PhoneBus between 6 and 8 April and between 20 and 22 April 2001, based on representative samples of 1,009 and 1,003 adults (aged 16 years and over) respectively in Great Britain.