Revisions to the mid-year population estimates for 2001 for local authorities in England and Wales were published by ONS on 26 September 2002, together with the mid-year estimates for 2002. The 2001 population estimate for England and Wales has been revised upwards by an amount which is less than 0.4 per cent of the overall population. Evidence from a variety of sources indicated a shortfall of this size in the previously estimated mid-2001 population. Details can be found HERE.
ONS do not intend to adjust the published 2001 Census figures, and these should continue to be used for any detailed analysis that cannot be performed using the mid-year estimates.
It is standard statistical practice for ONS to revise previously published figures once new information becomes available, but key points about the latest estimates are
both 2001 and 2002 mid-year population estimates are based upon the best available evidence and current understanding of the population
the revisions to the 2001 mid-year population estimates reflect the analysis of further evidence which has identified a need for an upward adjustment of 193,000, mainly men in the 25-34 age group
this revision does not change the Census results - the 2001 Census remains a rich and uniquely valuable source of information about the population of England and Wales, and provides the most detailed information available at the local and national level.
Studies of Manchester and Westminster were in progress when the revision to the estimates were first announced. The study of Westminster is still in progress, but an announcement about the provisional 2001 and 2002 estimates for Manchester was made by ONS on 4 November HERE. ONS cannot preclude further adjustments to the population estimates for some areas.
ONS would make an adjustment to the mid-year population estimate for Manchester and/or Westminster if the study shows that the Census missed enough households to affect the population estimates. It would also identify other areas where such underenumeration may have occurred and investigate accordingly, and make further revisions for other authorities if necessary. This work will be carried out in Spring 2004.
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