Census Information

Introduction

The Census is a count of all people and households and is the most complete source of information about the population that we have. The latest Census for available information was held on Sunday 29 April 2001.

A copy of the Census form, with all the questions that were asked, can be found on the National Statistics website: Census 2001 - Questions asked

Why is the Census important?

The Census is important because it allows central and local Government, health authorities and many other organisations to target their resources more effectively and to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come.

For the first time central Government will make information freely available to the public on the internet.

Census 2011

The last census was held on 27 March 2011.  Further information can be found on the Office for National Statistics website.

Confidentiality

SMBC does not hold any information on individual people.

The confidentiality of personal information is of paramount importance. Disclosure of personal Census information is an offence. The Office for National Statistics have processed the Census forms in secure conditions. Paper copies will be destroyed. Digital images of individual responses will only be made public after 100 years.

Measures are also taken to prevent inadvertent disclosure of information about individuals through the statistical results. For example, information is not released for areas containing fewer than 100 households.

Warning

There are a number of changes to the 2001 Census that all users should be aware of if they wish to compare results with those of the 1991 Census.

• 2001 is the first Census that has made adjustments for "missing" people.
• It includes students at their term time address - last time they were included at their home address.
• There is new information on relationships within households, the lowest floor level of accommodation, unpaid personal care and religion.
• There is no information on income, but there is information on socio-economic groups.

There is no information on disability, but there is information on limiting long term illnesses and general health over the year preceding the Census.

Contact Details

For more information please contact the Corporate Performance, Policy and Information Division:

Telephone: 0121 704 6666

Email: ppidivision@solihull.gov.uk