Selecting the topics to be included in the 2001 Census, and finalising the format of the questions and forms was the responsibility of the Data Needs project. Users of census information were consulted extensively to identify the information required from the 2001 Census.
Having gathered user requirements, a comprehensive programme of research and question testing was used to assess reactions to questions. Amongst the topics tested were questions on income, ethnicity, provision of care, as well as academic, vocational and professional qualifications. Questions were selected against a criteria relating to user need, availability of alternative sources, quality, public acceptability and burden on respondents.
New form layouts were also tested to ensure the 2001 Census forms were clear, easy to complete and suitable for the scanning process. Prior to inclusion in the Census, the proposed questions were made available for public discussion in a White Paper in March 1999.
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