What was the primary purpose of the 2011 United Kingdom census?

The 2011 census was conducted to gather information about the population of the United Kingdom, serving as a key instrument for assessing the needs of local communities and providing data for planning and resource allocation by central and local governments. It also provides valuable information for healthcare organizations, community groups, researchers, and businesses.

On what date was the 2011 census held across the United Kingdom?

The 2011 census was held on March 27, 2011, across all countries of the United Kingdom.

What significant technological advancement marked the 2011 UK census compared to previous ones?

The 2011 census was notable for being the first UK census that could be completed online via the Internet, offering a new method of participation for households.

Which organizations were responsible for conducting the census in the different parts of the UK?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) was responsible for England and Wales, the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) managed the census in Scotland, and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) oversaw the census in Northern Ireland.

What is the role of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in relation to the UK census?

The ONS, as the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, designs, manages, and runs the census for England and Wales. It also compiles and releases UK-wide census tables once data from all constituent countries is complete, acting as the national statistics office for the UK.

What concerns were expressed by major UK political parties regarding the 2011 census prior to its execution?

Leading up to the census, major UK political parties voiced concerns about the increasing costs associated with the census and questioned its value for money. These concerns even led to suggestions that the 2011 census might be the last decennial census to be conducted.

When were the initial results of the 2011 census released?

The first results, specifically age and sex data, along with occupied household estimates for England and Wales and Northern Ireland, were released on July 16, 2012. The first results for Scotland and the initial UK-wide results were published on December 17, 2012.

Who conducted the first census of Great Britain's population, and during which period?

The first census of Great Britain's population was conducted by the Registrar General John Rickman, who was responsible for the ten-yearly reports published between 1801 and 1831.

How did the population of England and Wales change between 1801 and 1831, according to census data?

During the first 100 years of census-taking, from 1801 to 1831, the population of England and Wales grew more than threefold, increasing to approximately 32 million people.

What factors made the 1951 census particularly significant in British history?

The 1951 census was highly significant because it captured demographic changes over a 30-year period that included major world events like World War II and rapid social and scientific advancements. This was partly due to a fire that destroyed census records from 1931.

Which government bodies were merged to form the Office for National Statistics (ONS)?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) was formed in 1996 through the merger of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS), and the statistics division of the Department of Employment.

What is the recommended frequency for conducting national censuses according to the United Nations?

The United Nations recommends that countries conduct a census at least once every ten years to ensure up-to-date population data.

For how long are census questionnaires kept confidential before being released to the public?

Census questionnaires, containing personal information, are kept confidential for 100 years before they are made available to the public. This ensures privacy while providing a valuable resource for future research.

How many households were included in the 2011 census for England and Wales?

The 2011 census for England and Wales encompassed approximately 25 million households.

How was the national address register, used for the 2011 census, compiled?

The national address register was compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) with assistance from local authorities. This involved comparing data from the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) with national address products from Royal Mail and Ordnance Survey.

What were the two main methods for individuals to complete the 2011 census questionnaire?

Individuals had the option to complete and submit their census questionnaire either online via the Internet or by filling out a paper form and mailing it back in a pre-addressed envelope.

What legal obligation did individuals have regarding the 2011 census questionnaire?

There was a legal requirement to complete the 2011 census questionnaire under the Census Act 1920. Individuals who had lived in or intended to live in the country for three months or more were obligated to participate.

What were the potential consequences for failing to complete or submitting false information on the 2011 census questionnaire?

Failure to return a completed questionnaire or providing false information could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potentially a criminal record. Compliance staff were employed to follow up with non-respondents.

Which company was awarded the contract for printing, data capture, and processing for the 2011 census in England and Wales?

Lockheed Martin UK, the British arm of the US-based Lockheed Martin corporation, was awarded the contract for services including questionnaire printing, operating a customer contact center, and data capture and processing.

What was the financial value of the contract awarded to Lockheed Martin UK for the census?

The contract awarded to Lockheed Martin UK for census services was valued at £150 million, which represented about one-third of the total £482 million budget for the census in England and Wales.

What specific concerns were raised regarding Lockheed Martin UK's involvement in the census contract?

Concerns were raised that the US PATRIOT Act could potentially compel Lockheed Martin to share sensitive census data with US authorities. Additionally, groups protested due to the company's involvement in surveillance and its role as an arms manufacturer.

How did the Office for National Statistics (ONS) address concerns about Lockheed Martin UK accessing personal census data?

The ONS stated that while Lockheed Martin UK would develop the systems for processing data, neither the company nor its employees would have access to personal census information. They also assured that no personal census data would leave the UK or be viewed by any American-owned company.

Which groups advocated for a boycott of the 2011 census due to the involvement of Lockheed Martin?

The Stop the War Coalition and the Christian think tank Ekklesia were among the groups that called for a boycott of the census. They cited concerns about data sharing with a company involved in surveillance and its ties to the defense industry.

What was the estimated total cost of the 2011 census in England and Wales over its entire project lifecycle?

The total estimated cost for the 2011 census in England and Wales, covering the period from 2004/05 to 2015/16, was £482 million.

How did the cost of the 2011 census compare to the cost of the 2001 census?

The £482 million cost for the 2011 census in England and Wales was more than double the £210 million spent on the 2001 census.

What was the per capita cost of the 2011 census in England and Wales on an annual basis?

The cost of the 2011 census in England and Wales equated to approximately 87 pence per person per year over the ten-year census cycle, which was presented as excellent value for money.

What initiative was launched by the UK government to explore alternatives to the traditional decennial census?

Following concerns about costs, the UK government asked the ONS to explore alternative methods for measuring the population. This led to the establishment of a coordinated research project called 'Beyond 2011'.

What were the main recommendations of the 'Beyond 2011' project regarding future population statistics?

The 'Beyond 2011' project recommended that a UK-wide census should still take place in 2021, but also emphasized the need to make better use of other available demographic data sources to complement or potentially replace traditional census methods in the future.

What new option for completing the census form was introduced in 2011 compared to 2001?

A significant change for the 2011 census was the introduction of an option for people to complete and submit their census questionnaire online, in addition to the traditional paper method.

How many questions were included in the 2011 census questionnaire for England and Wales?

The 2011 census questionnaire for England and Wales contained a total of 56 questions.

What new questions were asked of immigrants in the 2011 census?

The 2011 census asked immigrants about their date of arrival in the UK and how long they intended to stay, providing more detailed information on migration patterns.

What change related to civil partnerships was reflected in the 2011 census questionnaire?

Following the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the 2011 census questionnaire included tick boxes for respondents to indicate their same-sex civil partnership status in relevant questions.

What specific national identity tick-box options were added to the 2011 census questionnaire?

New tick-box options for English, Northern Irish, Scottish, and Welsh national identities were included in the 2011 census, addressing criticisms that these were absent in the 2001 census.

What question was removed from the 2011 census questionnaire that had been included in 2001?

Unlike the 2001 census, the 2011 questionnaire did not include a question asking residents whether they had access to a bath or shower.

How was the ethnicity section modified in the 2011 census compared to previous censuses?

The ethnicity section was expanded to include a 'Gypsy or Irish Traveller' tick-box under the 'White' heading and an 'Arab' tick-box under 'Other ethnic group'. The 'Chinese' category was merged into the 'Asian British' category, which previously only covered South Asian groups.

Besides usual residents, who else was included in the 2011 census count?

In addition to usual residents, the 2011 census also included visitors who were staying in the UK on the night of the census, March 27, 2011.

What was the penalty for refusing to complete the census in 2011, and how did it compare to 2001?

In 2011, refusal to complete the census or providing false information could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. This was a stricter penalty compared to 2001, where only 38 people were prosecuted for refusal.

What was criticized as 'bedroom snooping' in the context of the 2011 census?

The question asking about the number of bedrooms a household has, along with the names, gender, and birth dates of any overnight guests, was criticized by the Conservative Party as 'bedroom snooping'.

What was the issue raised by the British Humanist Association (BHA) regarding the religion question in the 2011 census?

The BHA argued that the religion question was leading and suggested it be rephrased to first ask 'Do you have a religion?' and then 'If so, what is it?'. They also contended that its placement near the ethnicity question might encourage associating religion with cultural identity.

What action did the BHA take to encourage non-religious responses in the 2011 census?

The British Humanist Association ran advertisements during March 2011, encouraging respondents to use the 'no religion' option on the census questionnaire.

What was the total number of questions asked in the 2011 census for Northern Ireland?

The 2011 census for Northern Ireland included a total of 59 questions, comprising 14 questions about the household and its accommodation, and 45 questions for each individual member of the household.

What was the estimated cost of the 2011 census in Northern Ireland over its six-year period?

The 2011 census in Northern Ireland was estimated to cost around £21.8 million over the six-year period from 2008 to 2014.

Which company was contracted to gather information for the 2011 census in Scotland?

In Scotland, CACI, a wholly owned subsidiary of an information technology company, was contracted to gather census information. CACI had previously been noted for providing interrogators at Abu Ghraib prison.

What new language-related question was included in the 2011 census for Scotland?

The 2011 Scotland census was the first to include a question assessing the ability to read, write, and understand the Scots language, alongside similar questions for Scottish Gaelic and English.

Who is responsible for coordinating the release of UK-wide census data?

The United Kingdom Statistics Authority is responsible for coordinating the release of census data across the UK's constituent countries, publishing UK-wide results primarily through the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website.

What is Nomis, and how is it used in relation to census data?

Nomis is a source for detailed census results that allows users to assemble bespoke datasets. It was used for supplementary releases of local characteristics tables from the 2011 census.

What were the main categories of pre-defined statistical tables released from the 2011 census?

The pre-defined statistical tables were categorized as Key Statistics (KS), Quick Statistics (QS), Local Characteristics (LC), Detailed Characteristics (DC), Themes (T), and Local Themes (LT), with revised naming conventions from the 2001 census.

In what file format was bulk data from the 2011 census made available?

Bulk data from the 2011 census was made available in Comma-separated values (CSV) file format, downloadable from online data warehouse facilities.

What was the purpose of the 'Origin-destination data' releases related to the 2011 census?

Origin-destination data releases provided statistics on migration patterns, commuting habits, and the movement of students, offering insights into population mobility.

What specific type of data was included in the 'Small population datasets' released from the 2011 census?

Small population datasets contained detailed statistics for specific ethnic groups or populations based on their country of birth, broken down by sex and age.

What was the outcome of the 'Beyond 2011' project regarding the future of UK censuses?

The 'Beyond 2011' project recommended that a UK-wide census should proceed in 2021 and also advised on improving the utilization of alternative demographic data sources.

2011 United Kingdom Census Wiki: The UK's Demographic Pulse: 2011 Census Insights

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Census Overview

National Snapshot

The 2011 census, conducted on March 27, 2011, provided a comprehensive demographic profile of the United Kingdom. It was the first UK census allowing completion via the internet, marking a significant technological shift in data collection.

Administrative Responsibility

The census operation was decentralized, with distinct authorities responsible for each constituent country: the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England and Wales, the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS), and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) for Northern Ireland.

Foundational Data

Census data is crucial for governmental planning and resource allocation, informing decisions on public services like healthcare and education. It serves as a foundational dataset for researchers, businesses, and community organizations, providing insights into population characteristics over time.

Historical Context

Early Enumerations

The practice of census-taking in Great Britain dates back to John Rickman, who conducted the first national census in 1801. Subsequent censuses have evolved alongside societal changes, technological advancements, and major historical events, reflecting shifts in population structure and administrative organization.

Evolving Institutions

The administrative bodies responsible for the census have also evolved. The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) was formed in 1971, later merging into the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 1996. The UK Statistics Authority was established in 2008 as an independent oversight body.

Census Purpose

Understanding the Nation

The primary purpose of the census is to provide a detailed demographic picture of the population at a specific point in time. This data is essential for understanding societal needs and planning the distribution of public services, including funding allocation for local authorities.

Confidentiality and Legacy

Personal information collected during the census is maintained in strict confidence for 100 years. After this period, the data becomes publicly accessible, serving as an invaluable resource for historical, demographic, and genealogical research, offering a unique window into past populations.

International Standards

The decennial census aligns with international recommendations, such as those from the United Nations, which advocate for population counts at least once every ten years. This ensures comparability of demographic data across different nations during coordinated census rounds.

Operational Execution

Digital Integration

The 2011 census marked a significant advancement with the introduction of online questionnaire submission. This digital channel, alongside traditional paper forms, aimed to increase efficiency and accessibility for the approximately 25 million households involved in England and Wales.

A national address register, compiled with local authority input, facilitated the distribution of questionnaires. Field staff were deployed to deliver and collect forms, provide assistance, and follow up on non-respondents, ensuring comprehensive coverage across diverse living situations, including communal establishments and transient populations.

Legal Mandate

Participation in the census was a legal requirement under the Census Act 1920. Individuals residing in the UK for three months or more were obligated to complete the questionnaire. Failure to comply could result in prosecution and a criminal record, underscoring the importance placed on complete data collection.

Financial Aspects

Budgetary Overview

The total expenditure for the 2011 census in England and Wales was estimated at £482 million over its lifecycle (2004/05–2015/16). This represented a substantial increase compared to the £210 million spent on the 2001 census, equating to approximately 87 pence per person annually over the decade.

Value for Money Debate

The rising costs prompted discussions among political parties regarding the value proposition of decennial censuses. This led the UK government to explore alternative population measurement methods through the "Beyond 2011" project, although subsequent recommendations favoured continuing the census alongside enhanced data sources.

Contractual Arrangements

Lockheed Martin UK secured a £150 million contract for essential census services, including printing, customer contact, and data processing. This arrangement, however, sparked controversy due to concerns about potential data access by US authorities under the PATRIOT Act, despite assurances from the Cabinet Office regarding data security and privacy.

Evolving Questions

National Identity

Responding to previous criticisms, the 2011 census included distinct tick-box options for English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish national identities. This addressed concerns about the underrepresentation of non-English identities, although specific campaigns for a 'Cornish' identity option were unsuccessful, leading to guidance on manual inclusion.

Language and Relationships

New questions were introduced regarding English language proficiency and the inclusion of same-sex civil partnerships, reflecting societal changes. The census also collected data on overnight guests, including their names, gender, and birth dates, which drew criticism as "bedroom snooping."

Ethnic and Religious Data

The ethnicity section was expanded to include 'Gypsy or Irish Traveller' and 'Arab' categories. The religion question's phrasing was debated, with suggestions to separate identification from cultural association. Ad campaigns encouraged the use of the 'no religion' option.

Data Release Schedules

Phased Dissemination

The release of 2011 census statistics was a complex, multi-phase process coordinated across the UK's statistical authorities. Data was published in stages, starting from mid-2012 through to late 2014/early 2015, covering various demographic and socio-economic themes.

UK-wide data releases were synchronized with country-specific publications. Key releases included initial population and household estimates, followed by detailed statistics on age, sex, ethnicity, national identity, health, housing, economic activity, and migration patterns.

Release 1.1 (Dec 2012): UK population estimates (males/females).
Release 1.2 (Mar 2013): Population by age bands, sex, densities, household data.
Release 1.3 (Jul 2013): Unrounded population estimates by single year of age and sex.
Release 2.1 (Oct 2013): Key/Quick Statistics Part 1 (Population, People, Places, Health, Travel).
Release 2.2 (Dec 2013): Key/Quick Statistics Part 2 (Qualifications, Labour Market).
Release 2.3 (Jan 2014): Key/Quick Statistics Part 3 (Multivariate tables).
Subsequent Releases (2014-2015): Specialist products including migration, workplace data, small population groups, and microdata.

England & Wales

The ONS managed the release for England and Wales, initially planning four phases, later expanded to five. Data was made available through ONS websites, Neighbourhood Statistics, and the Nomis portal, offering various levels of geographic detail.

Phase 1 (Jul–Nov 2012): Population estimates, households.
Phase 2 (Dec 2012–Mar 2013): Key/Quick univariate statistics by geography.
Phase 3 (May 2013–Feb 2014): Detailed characteristics (migration, ethnicity, health, etc.).
Phase 4 (Jul 2013–Apr 2014): Local characteristics (multivariate data).
Phase 5 (Oct 2013–Apr 2014): Specialist releases (workplace, workday population).

Scotland

GROS coordinated Scotland's census data releases, with a schedule slightly offset from the rest of the UK. Releases covered population estimates, household data, and detailed characteristics, with data accessible via the Scotland's Census website.

Release 1 (Dec 2012–Aug 2013): Population estimates, household data.
Release 2 (Sep–Dec 2013): Key/Quick statistics, Census Profiles.
Release 3 (Feb 2014 onwards): Local Characteristics tables (multivariate data).

Northern Ireland

NISRA managed the Northern Ireland census data dissemination, closely aligning its release phases with ONS. The process involved multiple releases covering population, households, and detailed characteristics across various administrative geographies.

Phase 1 (Jul–Sep 2012): Population estimates, household numbers.
Phase 2 (Dec 2012–Feb 2013): Key statistics for various geographies.
Phase 3 (May–Nov 2013): Detailed characteristics.
Phase 4 (Mar 2014): Multivariate tables.
Subsequent Releases (Sep 2014–Feb 2015): Specialist releases.

Points of Contention

Lockheed Martin Involvement

The selection of Lockheed Martin UK, a defense contractor, raised significant concerns among activist groups like the Stop the War Coalition and Ekklesia. Objections centered on the company's involvement in surveillance and its role in the arms industry, leading to calls for a census boycott, though counterarguments highlighted the importance of participation for funding allocation.

Privacy Concerns

Specific questions, such as those asking for the names, gender, and birth dates of overnight guests, were criticized by the Conservative Party as intrusive "bedroom snooping." While the government assured data confidentiality, these questions fueled public debate on the extent of information collected.

Identity and Religion Questions

The census faced scrutiny regarding identity and religion questions. The absence of a dedicated 'Cornish' tick-box option, despite manual entries in 2001, prompted campaigns for alternative methods of self-identification. Similarly, the phrasing of the religion question was debated by the British Humanist Association, advocating for a clearer distinction between religious belief and cultural identity.

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References

ONS.gov.uk â First census release. 16 July 2012.

Census Results Scotland's 2011 Census, Accessed 26 April 2013

Capita wins contract for 2011 census. Capita. 19 March 2009.

'Bedroom snooper' row over census. BBC News. 25 October 2009.

2011 census questions published. BBC News. 21 October 2009.

"MPs reject 'Cornish' nationality on 2011 census". BBC News. 1 December 2009

2011 Census Prospectus "Office for national Statistics" Accessed 12 July 2012

ONS Census Prospectus 30 September 2013, Retrieved 30 August 2013

2011 Census: Population Estimates for the United Kingdom, March 2013. Published 17 December 2012, Retrieved 3 June 2013

Population and Household Estimates for the United Kingdom, March 2011. Published 21 March 2013, Retrieved 21 March 2013

NISRA Census Prospectus August 2013, Retrieved 30 August 2013

Scotland's Census Prospectus 30 August 2013, Retrieved 30 August 2013

Scotlands Census Prospectus August 2013, Retrieved 30 August 2013

A full list of references for this article are available at the 2011 United Kingdom census Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations

This content has been synthesized by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material regarding the 2011 United Kingdom census. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, this presentation is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

This is not official statistical advice. Users should consult the primary sources and official publications from the respective UK statistical agencies (ONS, GROS, NISRA) for definitive data and analysis. The AI's interpretation and structuring of the information may not capture all nuances or official methodologies.

The creators of this educational resource are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

The UK's Demographic Pulse

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Census Overview ℹ️

🇬🇧 National Snapshot

🏛️ Administrative Responsibility

📈 Foundational Data

Historical Context 📜

👴 Early Enumerations

🏢 Evolving Institutions

Census Purpose 🎯

🗺️ Understanding the Nation

🔒 Confidentiality and Legacy

🌍 International Standards

Operational Execution ⚙️

💻 Digital Integration

Field Operations

⚖️ Legal Mandate

Financial Aspects 💰

💸 Budgetary Overview

🤔 Value for Money Debate

🤝 Contractual Arrangements

Evolving Questions 🔄

🌐 National Identity

🗣️ Language and Relationships

📊 Ethnic and Religious Data

Data Release Schedules 📅

🗓️ Phased Dissemination

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England & Wales

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland

🇮🇪 Northern Ireland

Points of Contention ⚠️

🛡️ Lockheed Martin Involvement

👀 Privacy Concerns

❓ Identity and Religion Questions

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Census Overview

National Snapshot

Administrative Responsibility

Foundational Data

Historical Context

Early Enumerations

Evolving Institutions

Census Purpose

Understanding the Nation

Confidentiality and Legacy

International Standards

Operational Execution

Digital Integration

Legal Mandate

Financial Aspects

Budgetary Overview

Value for Money Debate

Contractual Arrangements

Evolving Questions

National Identity

Language and Relationships

Ethnic and Religious Data

Data Release Schedules

Phased Dissemination

England & Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Points of Contention

Lockheed Martin Involvement

Privacy Concerns

Identity and Religion Questions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations