The Census gives a new benchmark of the population which provides the basis for population estimates. Throughout the 1990s ONS over estimated the resident population of the City of Westminster, perhaps more so than anywhere else in England and Wales. This led to a large downward revision to the estimates following the release of the 2001 Census results. ONS recognises that such a large revision requires a detailed explanation to ensure confidence in the figures.

Since Autumn 2001 ONS has been working with the City of Westminster, sharing the ONS analysis to help the City understand how ONS arrived at their Census estimate. This joint work is continuing.

The analysis supplied to the City of Westminster has now been put in the public domain through the Report. It also outlines the continuing work which ONS is carrying out to ensure that population estimates are trusted and have a sound basis in future. A report carried out by MORI on the 2001 Census for Westminster is also included as an annex.

A copy of the Westminster Report can be found HERE.

This page last revised: 22 October 2003