2011 UK Census

The definitions volume for 2001 Census (available printed and on the National Statistics website) included a section on ‘comparability with the 1991 Census’ (see page 19 of the definitions volume). To inform users where a direct comparison between the Censuses should not be assumed summary information was provided on new and revised questions, and an indication of where the questions were essentially unchanged.

Was this summary information adequate?

Is there any additional information to aid comparison between the 2001 Census and the 2011 Census that you would like to see provided for use with the next Census?

Our aim is to provide metadata that is useful and appropriate to our users. To guide us it is helpful to know what changes/new information or products would be desirable to improve on the metadata provided for the previous Census. Your opinions matter.

As always with topics on this blog, please provide any examples of websites that provide information related to the topic of discussion that you found particularly useful.

In England & Wales 2001 had a new geography whilst 2011 is going to have a 'stable' geography, as Scotland had in 2001. This does not however mean that the geography will be the same as OA's will be split and merged as appropriate. Significant information explaining the changes and how to handle them will therefore need to be included.

This will not be the case in Northern Ireland as they will be having a totally new geography.

Extra information may be also required if a postcode \ residence has moved grid reference over time due to improved mapping rather than any physical change on the ground.