ONS Recommends Keeping Census

Britain is set to continue with its decennial Census surveys. After a debate and consultation the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has this week recommended that the government continue the two-century-old tradition for England and Wales with a 2031 wave, while its Scottish counterpart offered the same basic conclusion.

The decision follows years of speculation including calls for administrative data sources such as health records and tax data to be used in place of a national survey. The ONS says there are options to integrate more such data into the main survey, but this will supplement rather than replace it.

Acting National Statistician Emma Rourke said: 'The ONS ran a highly successful census in 2021, at a pivotal time for the country. The high response rate and richness of the census data ensured it provided a high-quality snapshot of the whole population and its characteristics, which continues to provide benefits to statistical users.' She adds: 'In addition to a census data collection, we also know that there is strong interest in - and enthusiasm for - the improvements to quality, frequency and range of outputs we can see by making greater use of alternative data sources, especially administrative data. The progress we have made means we are well placed to use administrative data to contribute to our census activity and provide improved outputs between censuses.' UK Statistics Authority Chair Sir Robert Chote says each of the two sources will complement the other, 'strengthening our statistical system so that it is ready to adapt to the technological and social changes of the next decade.'

MRS Chief Executive Jane Frost CBE said researchers would be breathing 'a collective sigh of relief' at the news, adding 'Our £9 billion market and social research sector in the UK has long relied on the survey's rich, consistent and reliable data to provide businesses and policy makers with all-important insight on the British people, informing critical decisions across public and private sectors.' Frost also called on the ONS to work with Society to develop refreshed methodology around the social grade for Census data, 'reflecting the changing nuances of our society and social class.'

Despite the above, the final decision on the 2031 England and Wales Census still rests with the UK government. Similarly, National Records of Scotland has recommended a continuation to Scottish ministers.

Web site: www.ons.gov.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.