These Regulations provide for the detailed arrangements necessary for the conduct of the census directed to be taken by the Census Order 1990.

Regulations 3 and 4 provide for the division of England and Wales into census districts and enumeration districts, and for the appointment of officers to carry out the duties assigned to them for taking the census.

Regulation 5 provides for all officers to sign the undertaking set out in Schedule 1, to fulfil all the obligations required of them under the Census Act 1920 and by these Regulations.

Regulation 6 provides that the forms of return to be completed in accordance with the Census Order 1990 are those which apply as set out in Schedule 2 and which are set out in full in Schedule 3.

Regulations 7 to 14 provide detailed arrangements for the delivery, completion and collection of the forms of return.

Regulations 15 and 16 make provision relating to the giving of information, the use and publication or communication of information obtained for the purpose of the census, and the safe custody of forms and documents.