The ONS 2001 Census based area classifications of wards and health authorities have been released through Neighbourhood Statistics. These follow the widely used classifications produced from earlier Censuses, and the release of the 2001 classification of local authorities in October 20003, but for the first time they cover the whole of the UK and are accessible on the web. The classifications are based on the Key Statistics, and distil the entire range of Census measures to produce a simple and striking picture of differences and similarities within the UK at various geographical levels.

This is a powerful and effective way of summarising the complexity of census data. It provides a simple indicator of the characteristics of an area, for comparative or targeting purposes, and as a variable for analysis with other data.

The best way to view the information is by using the maps. These are provided in interactive form using Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), and as static .pdf documents. The new area classifications for Wards and Health Areas, together with the classification for Local Authorities can be found HERE. Alternatively they can be accessed through the 'Area Classifications' link in the Navigation box on the left-hand side of the Neighbourhood Statistics homepage.

The maps for Local Authorities and Health Areas have a graphical function which shows information about a selected area compared with the group into which it is classified and the UK as a whole. Wards are too numerous for a similar function to be provided, but there are spreadsheets with information about the classification of every ward in the UK and 'pen portraits' of each grouping.

This page last revised: 29 June 2004