Proposals for an integrated population statistics system, describing the Office for National Statistics' vision for the future of population statistics, are now available in a discussion paper HERE. By joining up data from sources across government, the proposed system is aimed at providing more frequent detailed statistics on the population of England and Wales than is currently possible.

The proposed system is not achievable immediately. The system would not begin to deliver population information until early in the next decade. Following publication of the review A Demographic Statistics Service for the 21st Century ONS has outlined an action plan that will lead to continuing improvements in the reliability of population statistics in the medium term. The longer-term work towards a future statistical system proposed here would ensure that we make the most of the opportunities that arise.

The discussion paper proposes a full census in 2011, the design for which is set out in an accompanying paper HERE. It draws on lessons learned from the 2001 Census, and recognises comments and recommendations from the Public Accounts Committee and the Treasury Select Committee. The design makes use of opportunities arising from government initiatives for electronic data capture and advances in directories of addresses. The design recognises the challenge of enumerating 'hard-to-count' groups. It also reflects international developments in census taking, requirements from the user community, and the challenges of a fast changing society.

The fundamental difference between this design and previous UK Censuses is the aim of moving to postal delivery of census forms in the majority of areas, rather than doorstep delivery by a large field force.

Comments on the proposals are invited by 25 November. They should be sent to:-

ONS
Room 4300W
Segensworth Road
Titchfield
Hampshire
PO15 5RR

or

E-mail: csdp@ons.gov.uk

This page last revised: 24 October 2003