Following a public consultation, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published its response on which topics should be covered in the 2021 Census for England and Wales.
The consultation attracted over 1,000 responses from organisations and individuals with an interest in the topics that the 2021 Census will cover. This includes organisations that use census data as a vital evidence base for policy and decision making.
Commenting on the consultation responses, 2021 Census Director Ian Cope said:
“Given the unique status of the census, it’s not surprising that there is continued user need for existing topics as well as requests for new topics to be included in 2021. As data from the census underpins so many important policies and decisions that affect us all, we need to make sure that people find it straightforward and acceptable to complete.”
“We will continue to discuss this balance with everyone who will be relying on the trusted data that the 2021 Census will provide, and to test different question options. We are also looking at existing sources of administrative data that could provide the information needed without having to include questions in the census.”
Plans for the 2021 Census in England and Wales are already well under way. In spring 2017 ONS will undertake a large-scale test in several local authorities in England and Wales with additional topics requested during the consultation, including volunteering and sexual identity.
At the end of the process of discussion and testing, the ONS will provide a clear proposal for the 2021 Census questionnaire for subsequent approval by Parliament.