It was described as the "first modern census" as it was the first to record information about every member of the household, and administered as a single event, under central control, rather than being devolved to a local level. It formed the model for all subsequent UK censuses, although each went on to refine and expand the questions asked of householders.
The census was considered the "first modern census" because it was the first to record information about every member of a household and to administer it as a single event under central control rather than being divided among local authorities. It served as the model for all subsequent UK censuses, which each refined and expanded upon by adding more questions to be asked of householders.