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Topic Consultation on Scotland’s Census 2021

National Records of Scotland seeks first views on Scotland’s next census

Planning for Scotland’s Census 2021 started yesterday with the National Records of Scotland (NRS) asking for views on the topic areas that should be included.

A consultation launched yesterday on www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/2021 focuses on the broad topics the census will cover. The aim is to encourage discussion and help NRS build a strong case for the inclusion of new topics in the census.

Discussion around particular questions or responses will be made through a programme of further consultation, research and testing that will involve the public and service users.

This is the start of engagement that will take place between now and 2021 as NRS prepares for what will again be Scotland’s largest survey of the population. The plans for this programme are currently being developed and will be published on Scotland’s Census website in due course.

In launching the consultation, Tim Ellis, the Registrar General for Scotland, said:

“We have run our own Census in Scotland since 1861, and it has provided us with important insights into who we are, how we work, and how we have lived in Scotland over the last 150 years. Decisions are taken every day using census statistics, helping to plan and provide services the length and breadth of Scotland, and from the cradle to the grave. By law it must be completed by everyone in Scotland. So it is important that what we ask is what the people of Scotland need – and that we only ask what is really needed.

“Although 2021 may seem a long time away, we need to start working towards this now and NRS needs to hear from all users to get their view on the important topics that Scotland’s Census in 2021 should ask about.

“This is the chance to get involved in shaping what we will ask everyone in Scotland in 2021.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, said:

“Our government has always been clear how much we value high quality, independent evidence such as that delivered by the census. The uniqueness of the census is that it is the only survey to ask everyone in Scotland the same questions at the same time. Nothing else provides the richness and range of information that the Census does to allow us to understand the issues and challenges faced on a national and local level.

“I welcome the consultation and encourage as many people as possible to take part and help define the broad topics which people think the census in 2021 should cover.”

The consultation will build on the success of the census in 2011. The 2021 Census will be the 22nd to be taken in Scotland and will be designed and managed to best meet the needs of Scotland’s Census users.

Notes To Editors

Timing

The consultation is due to run from 8 October 2015 to 15 January 2016. It is being run on ‘Citizen Space’ the online consultation platform now widely used by the Scottish Government. Everyone can take part and it is easy to use. Respondees can access it via http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/national-records-of-scotland-survey/scotlands-census-2021-topic-consultation or via www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/2021

Focus of consultation

This consultation focuses on users' information requirements at topic level, not the detailed questions that should be asked on the census questionnaire. The detail of the content of the questionnaires will only be finalised after a comprehensive programme of research, testing and further discussion with users.

Topics

Views and information is requested on the specific topics noted below but any topics suggested in response to the consultation will be considered by NRS.

Topics asked in Scotland in 2011:

Accommodation type

Self-contained accommodation

Tenure and landlord (if renting)

Number of rooms

Type of central heating

Cars or vans

Sex

Age

Marital or same-sex civil partnership status

Student status

Household and family relationships

Country of birth

Address one year ago

Date of arrival in the UK

Method of transport

Address of place of work

Address of place of study

Ethnic group

National identity

Gaelic language

Scots language

English language

Other languages

Religion

General health

Long-term health problem or disability

Unpaid care

Long-term health conditions

Qualifications held

Economic activity

Occupation

Industry

Year last worked

Supervisory status

Hours worked

 

Topics asked for elsewhere in UK for consideration:

Number of bedrooms

Second address

Type of migration

Citizenship

Voluntary and unpaid work

 

Topics not asked in 2011 but have already been suggested for 2021:

Sexual orientation

Income

Following feedback from the last census, NRS anticipates a strong user demand for both of these topics. To assist in determining the best approach to providing this information, further information is required by NRS to fully understand user need for 2021.

 

Channel website: http://www.gov.scot/

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