Individual Samples of Anonymised Records (SARs)
The Samples of Anonymised Records (SARs) are microdata files with a separate record for each individual. The sample size is larger than most surveys enabling analysis of small groups and subnational areas.
SARs are samples drawn from the 1991 and 2001 Censuses which have had identifiable information removed to protect confidentiality. SARs files allow flexible, multivariate analysis at the individual level, covering the full range of census topics including housing, education, health, transport, employment and ethnicity.
Additional variables were included in the 2001 SARs: religion, whether the respondent is a carer, amended ethnic group categories and more detail on qualifications. The SARs also include a range of derived variables.
The individual licensed SARs consist of approximately 3 per cent of person records, relating to some 1.84 million people in all.
Alternatively, if you are interested in the relationships between people within households, or in analysis at the household level, the Household SARs dataset may be more suitable for your research needs.
- What data are available?
- In what format are the data available?
- Is there more than one version?
- How long will it take to get the data?
- Is there a charge for the service and if so, how much is it?
- Are there any restrictions to applying for the data?
- How do I apply for access?
- Who can I contact for further information?
What data are available?
For each person, the Individual Licensed SARs contain the main demographic, health and socio-economic variables and derived variables such as social class; household information, data on the sex, economic position and social class of the individual's family head; limited information about other members of the individual's household (for example, number of pensioners); and area identification at Government Office Region (GOR) level in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In what format are the data available?
- Direct download: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) portable format or tab-delimited files to read into a package of your choice
- Nesstar, NSDstat, CD ROM or over the GRID: the latter requires a second registration process
Is there more than one version?
There was an earlier version of this dataset, however version two has greater detail on a number of variables (including religion).
How long will it take to get the data?
Access is instantaneous for academic users who have registered with the Census Registration Service.
Non-academic users must contact the Cathie Marsh Centre for Census and Survey Research (CCSR) who will deal with a registration requirement, similar to that for academic users.
Is there a charge for the service and if so, how much is it?
Free to academics.
The Centre for Census and Survey Research (CCSR) charge business users £1,000 plus VAT for registration per SAR. Local authorities, health authorities, central government and charities are entitled to a discounted non-academic rate of £500 plus VAT per file.
Are there any restrictions to applying for the data?
None.
How do I apply for access?
The dataset is available from the Centre for Census and Survey Research (CCSR).
Who can I contact for further information?
For further information on this survey email the SARs helpdesk: sars-helpdesk@manchester.ac.uk
