Reduce the UK Census closure period from 100 years to 80 years

Summary

We request the Government to reduce the UK Census record closure from 100 to 80 years, retaining safeguards for sensitive information, enabling families, genealogists and researchers to access vital historical records earlier while balancing privacy with the legitimate public interest. UK Census is a vital historical record. 100-year closure denies access. We propose reducing it to 80 years, benefiting genealogists, historians, researchers, schools and the public. Records connect generations and reveal unique details. Earlier access lets families research ancestors while relatives remain alive. Privacy: anyone under 94 when the records open, the information recorded about them would largely describe their childhood circumstances. We believe an extra 20 years privacy is disproportionate.

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Timeline

1. 5 September 2026

   Petition

   We request the Government to reduce the UK Census record closure from 100 to 80 years, retaining safeguards for sensitive information, enabling families, genealogists and researchers to access vital historical records earlier while balancing privacy with the legitimate public interest. UK Census is a vital historical record. 100-year closure denies access. We propose reducing it to 80 years, benefiting genealogists, historians, researchers, schools and the public. Records connect generations and reveal unique details. Earlier access lets families research ancestors while relatives remain alive. Privacy: anyone under 94 when the records open, the information recorded about them would largely describe their childhood circumstances. We believe an extra 20 years privacy is disproportionate.

   Source: Petition

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