The Census is Changing

The Census currently is every 10 years and the most recent being the 2011 Census which produces a range of statistics about the population and housing in the UK. The Census is required as part of EU regulation.

Geoplan have been engaging with the Office of National Statistics (ONS) through a consultation process with regards to the future of the Census in the UK.

The Census is traditionally carried out through a nationwide survey. However the most recent 2011 Census approach has raised questioned for the following reasons:

• It is becoming more difficult to do
• It’s costly and infrequent
• We have a rapidly changing society
• Evolving user requirements

The ONS are looking at new options for the Census beyond 2011, and to this they are looking first at the user requirements through various consultations with users and stakeholders with a particular focus on the type of information that should be collected, how the information should be collected and where the information should be collected from.

The ONS have put together a top level timetable to enable these questions to be considered and for to put forward recommendations of the approach to be taken. In September 2014 their recommendations will be put forward to parliament to ensure that it can be implemented in time for the next Census in 2021.

Geoplan will keep you updated on the developments and involve you were possible.