Working with communities and local authorities
The biggest challenge we face is reaching groups that are often undercounted. Further research into the types of people missed in the 2001 Census is being undertaken and findings will help to inform the type of initiatives needed.
The 2011 Census Project will build on the 2001 experience, placing emphasis on more collaboration with the many agencies and community organisations involved. In particular, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) establishing an agreed format and programme for local liaison which will allow adequate time and resource for training and preparation.
While it is recognised that there would be a need to vary the programme according to local situations, the general details will be the subject of consultation and agreement with local organisations. The best partners in working to maximise coverage have, in the past, been local authorities. Their need for reliable local information provides a strong incentive to assist in identifying and reaching local hard-to-count populations. They are generally best placed to be aware of local interest groups.
By positively engaging local authorities in, for example, the development and quality assurance of address lists and actively encouraging them to promote the benefits of the census in their areas, ONS can seek to improve coverage and minimise differential non-response. Such initiatives would aim to cover not only the known disadvantaged groups, such as the disabled or very elderly, but would allow ONS to target resource at areas known to have the characteristics associated with poor coverage.
