The GSS Coding and Naming policy for some statistical geographies was implemented on 1 January 2011. From this date, where new codes have been allocated they should be used in all exchanges of statistics and published outputs that normally include codes.
The Register of Geographic Codes (RGC) summarises the range of area instances within each geographic unit and is available via the Downloads section.
The Code History Database (CHD) provides multiple functionality including details of all codes, relationships, hierarchies and archived data. Initially, the CHD was used in parallel with the Standard Names and Codes (SNAC), the UK Statistical Geographies Database (SGDB) and the Ward History database. These have been reviewed and the 2010 version of the Ward History Database is now a frozen, historical document. The 2010 SNAC is the last full version but a condensed 2011 version is available. The SGDB will continue to be produced and includes geographies that are not available from the CHD.
The CHD is in MS Access format and is available via the link to the Code History Database (CHD). MS Excel tables providing simple lookups for current to former codes are also available via the link to CHD Lookups.
ONS Geography will provide support; demonstrate the RGC and CHD tools and discuss the policy with any areas that produce, publish or access geographic-based statistical data. Full contact details can be found in the Related links section.
