Legislation and the role of Parliament
Parliament debates and approves each Census. This section explains the primary legislation - the Census Act 1920 - which allows a Census to be taken, and the secondary legislation which set out the details for a Census, after Government policy is stated in a White Paper. Includes links to facsimiles of 2001 Census forms. Also explains how the confidentiality of personal Census information is protected by legislation.

Dialogue with users
A Census is only possible if it is acceptable to the public, and only worthwhile if the results meet the needs of users. This section covers the continuing dialogues over the collection of information and with the users. It explains how consultation is conducted and how views from individuals, communities and organisations can be submitted to the Census organisation.

The quality of the results
Includes comprehensive explanations of statistical methods, coverage and quality, and of the confidence which can be placed in the Census results both in general terms and more specifically for topics and local areas.

Definitions and categories in output
The Census 2001 Definitions volume provides definitions and other explanatory information in a single publication to help the user of the results. It has a glossary of terms used in the Census, and is the only source of full descriptions of the categories and classifications used in output. It also covers the three Censuses in the UK. The main sections are of the volume are:

• methodology, processing and geography


• population base for counts


• comparability with the 1991 Census


• a glossary of terms used in the Census (alphabetic)


• output classifications


• filters (excluding certain respondents from further questions)


• list of standard tables in number order, with full titles and notes

Geographical methods
The 2001 Census was the first in which the basic geographical 'building bricks' for output - Output Areas - were created by objective, systematic and automated processes specifically for statistical purposes. This section is a general guide to output geography, including more information on the geographical referencing of the data, Output Areas, and the protection of confidentiality where areas overlap.

Disclosure protection
The protection of the confidentiality of personal Census information is of paramount importance, and disclosure protection measures are used to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of information about identifiable individuals through the counts in cross-tabulations.

Samples of Anonymised Records
The Samples of Anonymised Records (SARs) are extracts from Census records which are designed to enable detailed analyses of 2001 Census data for individuals or households to be carried out. Describes the content of the SARs, and explains how any risks to confidentiality are assessed and removed.

Review and evaluation
Systematic review formed a fundamental part of the 2001 Census programme. Each stage of planning and implementation has been evaluated, and some twenty reports are available (subjects are listed in the left hand menu of the introductory page)