Notice

The 2021 Census of Population and Housing in England and Wales

This white paper, 'Help Shape Our Future', sets out the UK Statistics Authority’s proposals for conducting the 2021 Census in England and Wales.

Documents

Help Shape Our Future: The 2021 Census of Population and Housing in England and Wales (English language version)

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Equality Impact Assessment for the 2021 Census

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Details

The UK Statistics Authority has made its recommendations on the content and conduct of the 2021 Census for England and Wales, as set out in this white paper.

This includes the proposal that, for the first time, the census will be predominantly online.

The white paper also sets out:

  • the proposed date for the 2021 Census in England and Wales
  • the topics recommended for inclusion in the 2021 Census and the consultation process that informed these recommendations
  • confidentiality provisions for personal data collection and digital security
  • plans for the publication of, and access to, 2021 Census data

A Welsh language version (pdf, 1,027 KB) is available.

The Equality Act 2010 requires that public authorities must have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

They must also have due regard to the need to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations, between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

The Office for National Statistics has produced an Equality Impact Assessment (in the ‘Documents’ section above) for the 2021 Census, based on current decisions, research and engagement. It is an analysis of the proposed operation and content of the 2021 Census in England and Wales, with an evaluation of the impact on equality.

You can find more information about the research and consultation that has informed the recommendations on the content and conduct of the 2021 Census on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website.

Published 14 December 2018