Quality information for the Wellbeing of Wales report: 2025

The links provide details such as coverage, and strength and limitations of the data, and also the processes used to produce and publish the datasets behind the statistics quoted in the progress report.

Whilst most of the narrative in the Wellbeing of Wales report is drawn from national indicators, some of the contextual data is from other official statistics or other statistics and factual statements related to specific policies or programmes, where we have considered it relevant to the overall narrative.

Data from sources other than Official Statistics are used in the Wellbeing of Wales report for context, but we cannot always provide thorough assurance about data quality. As the data in the progress report have been sourced from a variety of datasets, the level of quality information available will differ in each case. Where the original data sources have detailed quality reports, we have provided links to those reports. Where quality reports do not exist for a source, additional information, where available, has been included in this document.

National Survey for Wales financial year 2024 to 2025

The National Survey for Wales is the source for 14 of the national wellbeing indicators and is used as a contextual data source throughout the Wellbeing of Wales report.

Fieldwork issues were encountered during 2024 to 2025 resulting in lower response rates than previous years, smaller sample sizes, and some differences in the sample composition (see the National Survey for Wales quality report for more information).  Because of the smaller sample sizes confidence intervals around estimates are wider than in previous years, particularly for smaller geographies and population sub-groups.

All statistics from the National Survey for Wales based on 2024 to 2025 data will be badged as official statistics in development, instead of accredited official statistics as in previous years.

However, it is still appropriate to use these statistics. At a national level the survey continues to provide reasonable estimates, particularly when used alongside alternative sources. Care should be taken when interpreting any apparent differences between 2024 to 2025 and previous years: differences could reflect fieldwork issues, or a real change, or both.

This section provides links to where further information can be found in relation to the quality of the data used in the national indicators published in the Wellbeing of Wales report. The links provide details such as coverage, and strength and limitations of the data, and also the processes used to produce and publish the datasets behind the indicators. This document also provides information on the methods used to assess progress with the national milestones.

National milestones

In December 2021, the Welsh Government published the first wave of Wales’s national milestones, with the second wave set in November 2022. There are 17 national milestones in total, covering 16 national indicators.  The milestones are generational targets which describe the pace and scale of change needed in key areas under the 7 wellbeing goals.

We have assessed the progress of each of the national milestones. Change is assessed since 2015, as this was the year of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, although the milestones themselves were not set until later. Where data is not available for 2015, the nearest possible year has been used.

Some of the 17 milestones have multiple parts to them, so in total there are 20 assessments of progress. We assign each measure as either improved, deteriorated, no change or not assessed. We have not considered whether the milestones are on course to be met, simply the direction of change. Where possible confidence intervals are used to assess if the change is statistically significant. For some of the indicators that are not based on survey data, confidence intervals are not available. In those cases, change over time has been assessed based on guidance from the data expert.

National indicators

As the data for the indicators have been sourced from a variety of datasets, the level of quality information available will differ in each case. For indicators that are taken from data designated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) as Accredited Official Statistics, quality reports will be available elsewhere providing detail of the methodology used and also covering data quality issues. Therefore, where this is the case, we have provided links to those quality reports. For indicators where the data are Official Statistics, rather than designated as Accredited Official Statistics, there may not be a quality report available. However, quality information will be available in the statistical release, if one is published. Therefore, in these cases we have linked to the relevant statistical release.

For some indicators where the data are not published as Official Statistics, there is likely to be less information about quality already published and therefore we have included greater detail about quality within this document.

Indicator 1: Percentage of live single births with a birth weight of under 2,500g

Source: National Community Child Health Database (NCCHD)

Information in relation to data quality can be found in the quality report that accompanies the annual release maternity and birth statistics.

Indicator 2: Healthy life expectancy at birth, including the gap between most and least deprived

Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Healthy life expectancy at birth, including technical information about the measures, is published by the Public Health Wales Observatory (PHW). The ONS also publish a comprehensive Quality and Methodology Information document, an excel template for calculating healthy life expectancy (ONS) as well as healthy life expectancy statistics (ONS). The time series coverage published for Wales by ONS is not as complete as that published by PHW, therefore PHW is currently the main source cited for this indicator.

Indicator 3: Percentage of adults who have two or more healthy lifestyle behaviours

Source: National Survey for Wales

The data are from the National Survey for Wales Health-related behaviours can be a complex area to measure and there may be some differences between what people report and what they do. However, survey data still provides a reliable means of comparing patterns between different groups and over time. This indicator combines information about 5 different lifestyle behaviours. Results from 2020-21 onwards should not be compared with previous years. For further information, see the results on adult lifestyle and the National Survey for Wales quality report.

Indicator 4: Levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) pollution in the air 

Source 1: Air Concentration, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Source 2: Small Area Population Estimates (SAPE), ONS

Each year the UK Government’s Pollution Climate Mapping (PCM) model calculates average pollutant concentrations for each square kilometre of the UK. The model is calibrated against measurements taken from the UK’s national air quality monitoring network.

The Welsh Government has used this published data to assign a concentration of NO₂, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ to each residential dwelling in Wales based on which square kilometre of Wales it sits in.

For each census output area (statistical geographic units comprising around 150 households), the pollutant concentrations associated with each dwelling within it were averaged to give an average NO₂, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentration across the census output area.

For each local authority and local health board, a population-weighted average over its constituent census output areas were calculated to give an average NO₂, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentration based on where people live in those local authorities and health boards. The same calculation was also repeated over all census output areas, to give a comparable figure for the whole of Wales.

2023 air quality figures are based on 2022 population estimates.

Indicator 5: Percentage of children who have two or more healthy lifestyle behaviours

Source: School Health Research Network (SHRN) Student Health and Well-being Survey (Public Health Wales).

The survey is carried out by the SHRN, which is led by the Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer) at Cardiff University in partnership with Welsh Government; PHW; Cancer Research UK; and the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD). The survey is undertaken every 2 years, and provides a regular snapshot of the health behaviours of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales. The survey is completed online in the classroom setting. In academic year 2021 to 2022, almost 125,000 students across 202 schools took part in the survey.

See the “Methods” section of the national reports for further quality and methodology information.

Indicator 6: Measurement of development of young children

Source: Foundation Phase baseline assessments, Welsh Government

See the Foundation Phase baseline assessments section in the statistical release for Academic achievement of pupils in Foundation Phase baseline assessment and at Key Stage 3, 2022. Due to the rollout of the new National Curriculum for Wales the baseline assessment data is no longer recorded by schools. This 2022 release is the last data set for baseline assessments.

Indicator 7: Average capped 9 points score of pupils, including the gap between those who are eligible or are not eligible for free school meals

Source 1: Welsh Examinations Database (via awarding organisations and a contracted collection body)

Source 2: Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC), Welsh Government 

These data are published as Accredited Official Statistics. See the Key Quality Information section of the annual statistical release on Examination Results.

Due to the disruption to schools as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the then Minister for Education confirmed that the Welsh Government would not calculate or publish performance measures in academic year 2021 to 2022 for both Year 11 and sixth form cohorts. This continued the arrangements from 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021.

The 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023 examination periods were transitionary years, where relevant qualifications sat by Welsh pupils returned to written examination. This was not a complete return to pre-pandemic examinations. To compensate for any disruption to the school timetable, pupils who sat exams in 2021 to 2022 were given a wider choice of questions from the syllabus, with Qualifications Wales setting results broadly midway between 2018 to 2019 (the last time examinations were sat) and 2020 to 2021 outcomes. The 2022 to 2023 school year saw a further transition back to pre-pandemic assessment arrangements (whilst keeping some support in place for learners). This support was in the form of advance information and a supportive approach to grading. In 2022 to 2023 Qualifications Wales set the results at a national level broadly midway between 2018 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022 outcomes. In 2023 to 2024 Qualifications Wales have returned to awarding results in line with pre-pandemic results, resulting in a slight decrease from 2022 to 2023 results. 

Pupils that were awarded a qualification during the 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021 summer periods were awarded grades based on a centre determined or centre assessed grade model. Grades were determined by schools and colleges, based on their assessment of learners’ work, using a range of evidence (including non-examination assessments, mock exams, and classwork).

Due to the varying examination arrangements in place since 2018 to 2019, caution must be exercised when comparing outcomes between subsequent years.

Indicator 8: Percentage of adults with qualifications at the different levels of the National Qualifications Framework

Source: Annual population survey (APS), ONS

These data are published as Accredited Official Statistics. See the quality section of the statistical release Levels of highest qualification held by working age adults. Note that estimates for 2022 onwards cannot be compared to previous years following changes to the questions on qualifications in the APS.

Indicator 9: Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked, index (UK = 100)

Source: Regional accounts, ONS

These data are published by the ONS. Further information can be found on the Labour productivity Quality and Methodology Information webpage (ONS).

Indicator 10: Gross Disposable Household Income per head

Source: Regional accounts, ONS

These data are published by the ONS. Further information can be found in their regional gross disposable household income quality and methodology information paper (ONS).

Indicator 11: Percentage of businesses which are innovation-active

Source: Department for Business and Trade, UK Innovation Survey

The UK Innovation Survey is conducted every 2 years by the ONS on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and formerly the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The UK Innovation Survey is the main data source for business innovation in the UK.

These data are now published by the Department for Business and Trade  (DBT).

For further information about the UK Innovation Survey, and definitions of businesses that are innovation active see: United Kingdom innovation survey 2023: report - GOV.UK (Department for Business and Trade).

Indicator 12: Capacity in megawatts (MW) of renewable energy equipment installed

Source: Welsh Government

The indicator is sourced from the Energy Generation in Wales study. Regen was commissioned by the Welsh Government to produce a database of energy generation projects in Wales; identify the extent to which projects are owned by Welsh individuals, organisations and communities; and analyse the data to produce a report on progress.

The research method developed by Regen to produce a detailed picture of energy generation across Wales includes: 

• identifying, collating, cleansing and cross-referencing records from existing datasets;
• verifying and analysing the data to ensure a robust national overview and locally specific data where available;
• verifying the data with stakeholders and industry where appropriate;
• researching ownership details, including referencing to Companies House to identify projects with local ownership.

The main sources of data used in this study are listed in the Energy Use in Wales 2023 report.

Indicator 13: Concentration of carbon and organic matter in soil

Source 1: Glastir Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (GMEP) survey

Source 2: The Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) National Field Survey (NFS)

Measured from soil samples using the loss-on-ignition methodology to determine the soil carbon concentration in the top 0 to 15 cm. The GMEP collected evidence for all 6 intended outcomes from the Glastir scheme; climate change mitigation, improvement to soil and water quality, a halt in the decline of biodiversity, improved woodland management and greater access to the Welsh landscape and condition of historic features. Much of this was achieved through a field survey of 300 1km squares across Wales, half of which were focussed on areas prioritised for advanced payments. The 1km squares were selected at random from 26 land classes, ensuring good coverage of the Welsh landscape. The survey excluded densely developed city areas and therefore it should not be considered as an inventory for brownfield sites.

The ERAMMP NFS re-surveyed 224 of the original 300 1km squares between 2021 and 2023. A total of 150 squares represented the wider Welsh landscape and 74 squares were re-surveyed to target the impact of Glastir. Both surveys, GMEP and ERAMMP, were spread across multiple years to reduce data bias introduced by single year’s weather extremes. The area of 'Glastir land' within each 1km square varied and this is considered during analysis.

Carbon concentration status and change was assessed using repeat survey data from the GMEP and ERAMMP field survey programs. This differed to previous reporting, where change was assessed by statistically linking carbon concentration in GMEP to earlier monitoring from the Countryside Survey, which used a compatible sampling approach but contained fewer monitoring sites. The current method, made possible by the ERAMMP NFS, is considered to give a more robust and representative value for Wales.

Information about the GMEP survey and the ERAMMP NFS

About GMEP (GMEP)

Informing, Monitoring and Evaluating Sustainable Land Management (ERAMMP)

Indicator 14: The global footprint of Wales 

Source: Understanding the Global Environmental Footprint and Impacts of Welsh Consumption (JNCC)

A global footprint for Wales has recently been calculated by JNCC using the Ecological Footprint methodology. This is part of a wider project to improve understanding of the global environmental footprint and impacts of commodities that are consumed within Wales, but that may be produced anywhere in the world. 

Information about the methodology can be found in the report Understanding the Global Environmental Footprint and Impacts of Welsh Consumption (JNCC).

Indicator 15: Amount of waste generated that is not recycled, per person

Source 1: Waste data flow system National Resources Wales, Welsh Government

Source 2: Industrial and commercial waste survey National Resources Wales, Welsh Government

Source 3: Construction and demolition waste survey National Resources Wales, Welsh Government

This indicator is calculated from 3 separate elements – household waste, Construction & Demolition Waste and Industrial & Commercial Waste.

Household Waste

This element is based on residual (i.e. not recycled) household waste collected. This data does not take into consideration any waste generated as residual that is subsequently recycled, or waste generated in recycling streams that is subsequently rejected for disposal. The source for this data is Waste Data Flow, which collects local authority municipal waste data on a regular basis. Data are based on financial year. Additional information is available in the statistical release: Local authority municipal waste management.

Construction and Demolition Waste

This element is based on the EU Waste Framework Construction and Demolition recovery target definition.  This excludes hazardous waste and naturally occurring soils and stones. It includes backfilling activities.  The source for this data is the 2019 Construction and Demolition waste survey where data was collected from 508 business sites of differing sectors and sizes throughout Wales between April 2021 and September 2021. Additional methodological information available in Section 2 of the report Construction and demolition waste survey (National Resources Wales).

Industrial and Commercial Waste

The source for this data is the 2018 Industrial and Commercial waste survey, where data was collected from 1,755 business sites of differing sectors and sizes throughout Wales between April 2019 and October 2019. Additional methodological information available in Section 2 of the report: Survey of industrial & commercial waste generated in Wales 2018 (NRW).

Indicator 16: Percentage of people who are on permanent contracts (or on temporary contracts, and not seeking permanent employment) who earn at least the real living wage

Source: Welsh Government analysis of Annual Population Survey (APS) (StatsWales)

This indicator is calculated from the APS. This indicator measures the percentage of people in employment, who are on permanent contracts (or on temporary contracts, and not seeking permanent employment) and who earn at least the real living wage.

See Annual population survey (APS) QMI (ONS)

The real living wage is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation who determine the methodology. It aims to reflect the cost of living.

Indicator 17: Pay difference for gender, disability and ethnicity

Source 1: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), ONS

Source 2: APS, ONS

Gender pay difference in Wales by year (median hourly earnings full-time employees excluding overtime) (£) (StatsWales)is calculated from the ASHE and published by ONS. It is based on median hourly full-time earnings. Disability and Ethnicity pay difference information is calculated from the APS.

Disability pay differences are calculated by dividing the difference in hourly pay between disabled and non-disabled employees by the hourly pay for non-disabled employees. Ethnicity pay differences are calculated by dividing the difference in hourly pay between White and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees by the hourly pay for White employees. Disability and ethnicity pay differences are based on median hourly earnings for all employees

See ASHE, Low pay and Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings pension results Quality and Methodology Information; APS Quality and Methodology Information (ONS); and the ethnicity and disability pay difference data and information: Median hourly pay and pay difference between hourly earnings of employees by disability status and ethnicity, Wales, 2014 to 2024.

Indicator 18: Percentage of people living in households in income poverty relative to the UK median, measured for all people, children, working age adults and those of pension age

Source: Households below average income, Family Resources Survey, Department for Work and Pensions

These data are published by the Department for Work and Pensions. Information on methodology and quality can be found on the Households below average income (HBAI) statistics website.

The Welsh Government also carry out extra analysis of the HBAI datasets to consider economic status, housing tenure, family, ethnicity and disability characteristics. These data and summary analyses can be found on the Welsh Government’s Poverty Statistics webpages. Information on methodology and data interpretation can also be found on these pages. 

Estimates for periods which span the financial year 2020 to 2021 do not include the data collected during 2020 to 2021 in calculations. For those periods shown, estimates formerly calculated as 3 to 5 year rolling averages are based on 2 to 4 year rolling averages that omit the 2020 to 2021 survey data. 2020 to 2021 estimates are unreliable as they are based on data collected during the first year of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, when lockdown rules severely disrupted the data collection.

Data collection during the financial year 2021 to 2022 was via telephone interviewing as opposed to the established face to face method used prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although we have assessed the 2021 to 2022 data quality to be robust enough for publication, there remains some residual bias in the survey sample resulting from the change in survey mode. More information on data quality is available in the DWP technical report.

Indicator 19: Percentage of people living in households in material deprivation

Source: National Survey for Wales

The questions included in the National Survey for Wales were taken from the Family Resources Survey (FRS), and the methodology used to classify people uses a similar, but not identical method (the FRS also uses income and some questions in the National Survey were only asked of those who were classed as ‘borderline’ deprived).

Non-pensioner adults were asked whether they had things such as ‘a holiday away from home for at least a week a year’, ‘enough money to keep their home in a decent state of decoration’, or could ‘make regular savings of £10 a month or more’. The questions focussed on whether they could afford these items.

Pensioners were asked slightly different questions such as whether their ‘home was kept adequately warm’, whether they had ‘access to a car or taxi, when needed’ or whether they had their hair done or cut regularly’. These questions also asked whether they could afford them, but also focussed on not being able to have these items for other reasons, such as poor health, or no one to help them etc.

People who did not have the items asked about were given a score, such that if they didn’t have any item on the list they would have a score of 100, and if they had all items they had a score of 0. Non-pensioners with a score of 25 or more were classed as deprived and pensioners with a score of 20 or more were classed as deprived. Non-pensioners and pensioners have been grouped together for this indicator.

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 20: Proportion of employees whose pay is set by collective bargaining

Source: ASHE, ONS

The results for this indicator are obtained from the ASHE, published by ONS. This indicator measures employee jobs for those aged 16 and over, whose pay is set with reference to a collective agreement in April of the shown years. 

See ASHE, Low Pay and Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings Pension Results Quality and Methodology Information (ONS).

Indicator 21: Percentage of the population aged 16 to 64 in work in Wales

Source: APS, ONS

These data are published by the ONS. See their APS Quality and Methodology web page and LFS Quality and Methodology web page (ONS).

Indicator 22: Percentage of people in education, employment or training, measured for different age groups

Source 1: Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC)

Source 2: Lifelong Learning Wales Record (LLWR)

Source 3: Student Record, Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Source 4: Open University

Source 5: APS, ONS

Source 6: Mid-year estimates of resident population, Population projections, ONS

See the quality section of the statistical release Participation of young people in education and the labour market and the statistical bulletin for Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Further detail is available in the methodology note for the derivation of estimates of the participation of young people in education and the labour market and the guide to the different sources of NEET statistics in Wales.

Indicator 23: Percentage of people who feel able to influence decisions affecting their local area

Source: National Survey for Wales

The indicator uses the percentage of people who ‘strongly agree’ or ‘tend to agree’ with the statement “I can influence decisions affecting my local area”. The questions concerning the indicator were not asked as part of the financial year 2022 to 2023 National Survey for Wales.

More in-depth analysis is available in the statistical report “Influencing decisions in local area”. See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 24: Percentage of people satisfied with their ability to get to/ access the facilities and services they need

Source: National Survey for Wales

This indicator measures the percentage of people aged 16 or over who report feeling ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with their ability to get to/access the facilities and services they need, within a 15 to 20 minute walk from their home. The question was not asked as part of the 2022 to 2023 National Survey for Wales. 

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 25: Percentage of people who feel safe at home, walking in the local area, and when travelling

Source: National Survey for Wales

This is based on 4 separate questions last asked in financial year 2021 to 2022 as part of the National Survey for Wales and uses the percentage of people who report feeling ‘very safe’ or ‘fairly safe’ in all of the following situations after dark: 

• at home
• walking alone
• travelling by public transport
• travelling by car

More in-depth analysis is available in the statistical report “Feeling safe in the local area”. 

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 26: Percentage of people satisfied with their local area as a place to live

Source: National Survey for Wales

This indicator measures the percentage of people aged 16 or over who report being ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with their local area as a place to live. The question was last asked as part of the financial year 2021 to 2022 National Survey for Wales. 

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information and the research report "Satisfied with local area".

Indicator 27: Percentage of people agreeing that they belong to the area, that people from different backgrounds get on well together, and that people treat each other with respect

Source: National Survey for Wales

This indicator is based on 3 separate questions asked as part of the National Survey for Wales in financial year 2021 to 2022, and uses the proportion of people who strongly agree or tend to agree that: 

• they belong to their local area
• the local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together
• that people in the local area treat each other with respect and consideration

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey and the research report “Sense of community”.

Indicator 28: Percentage of people who volunteer

Source: National Survey for Wales

The indicator uses the percentage of adults who give their time for free to help clubs or organisations. The data presented does not include people who provide care for someone.

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 29: Mean mental well-being score for people

Adults

Source: National Survey for Wales

The mean mental well-being score is calculated according to the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). To assesses mental well-being on the WEMWBS scale, respondents were given 14 statements such as “I’ve been feeling relaxed” and “I’ve been thinking clearly” and were asked how often they felt this way on a 5 point scale, where 1 was ‘none of the time’ and 5 ‘all of the time’. A score from 14 to 70 was calculated based on these responses, with higher scores indicating better well-being. For further information, see the release including mental wellbeing.

In financial year 2022 to 2023, due to the sensitive nature of the topic, the WEMWBS questions were asked in the online part of the survey.

Results from 2021 to 2022 onwards should not be compared with previous years. See the National Survey for Wales quality report for more details on strengths and limitations of the National Survey for Wales.

Children

Source: SHRN Student Health and Wellbeing Survey

The mean mental well-being score is calculated using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). Data are based on the SHRN Student Health and Well-being Survey (Public Health Wales). 

The survey is carried out by the SHRN, which is led by the Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer) at Cardiff University in partnership with Welsh Government; PHW; Cancer Research UK; and WISERD. The survey is undertaken every 2 years, and provides a regular snapshot of the health behaviours of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales. The survey is completed online in the classroom setting. In academic year 2021 to 2022, almost 125,000 students across 202 schools took part in the survey. See the “Methods” section of the national reports for further quality and methodology information.

Indicator 30: Percentage of people who are lonely

Source: National Survey for Wales

This is the percentage of adults who are lonely according to the De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale. 

For this scale, respondents were shown a series of 6 statements and asked to indicate, the extent to which each statement applied to the way they felt. There were 3 statements about ‘emotional loneliness (EL)’ and 3 about ‘social loneliness (SL)’. 

1. I experience a general sense of emptiness (EL)
2. I miss having people around me (EL)
3. I often feel rejected (EL)
4. There are plenty of people I can rely on when I have problems (SL)
5. There are many people I can trust completely (SL)
6. There are enough people I feel close to (SL) 

The scale uses 3 response categories: Yes / More or less / No - where the neutral and positive answers are scored as “1” on the negatively worded questions (in this instance, questions 1 to 3). On the positively worded items (questions 4 to 6), the neutral and negative answers are scored as “1”. This means that an answer of ‘more or less’ is given the same score as ‘yes’ or ‘no’, depending on the question.

The scores for each individual question are added together to provide an overall loneliness measure. This gives a possible range of scores from 0 to 6, where 0 is least lonely and 6 is most lonely. For reporting purposes we have considered people who have a score of 4 to 6 as being lonely. In financial year 2021 to 2022, due to the sensitive nature of some of the questions the loneliness module was included within an online section of the survey. After completing the telephone section respondents were asked to go online and self-complete the final section. 90% of people who completed the telephone survey went on to complete the online section.

In 2022 to 2023, the loneliness module was asked in the telephone section of the survey.

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for more details on strengths and limitations of the National Survey for Wales.

Indicator 31: Percentage of dwellings which are free from hazards

Source 1: Welsh Housing Conditions Survey financial year 2017 to 2018

Source 2: Living in Wales Survey 2008 

The Welsh Housing Conditions Survey 2017 to 2018 measured the percentage of dwellings which were free from category 1 hazards based on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). More information on the measuring and modelling of these hazards can be found in the Welsh Housing Conditions Survey headline results and technical report.

Indicator 32: Number of properties (homes and businesses) at medium or high risk of flooding from rivers and the sea

Source: National flood risk assessment data, Natural Resources Wales (NRW)

The Flood Risk Assessment (FRAW) modelling, together with the latest National Receptor Dataset 2025 (NRD 2025) are used to determine the number of properties (residential and non-residential) at risk of flooding from Rivers, the Sea and Surface Water and Small Watercourses in Wales. The information is for 2025 and includes both the presence and removal of flood defences within the modelling (defended and undefended scenarios).

Categories for the risk of flooding

High risk

Greater than or equal to 1 in 30 (3.3%) chance in any given year.

Medium risk

Less than 1 in 30 (3.3%) but greater than or equal to 1 in 100 (1%) chance in any given year for rivers and surface water flooding and less than 1 in 30 (3.3%) but greater than or equal to 1 in 200 (0.5%) for the sea.

Low risk

Less than 1 in 100 (1%) for rivers and surface water flooding and 1 in 200 (0.5%) for the sea but greater than or equal to 1 in 1,000 (0.1%) chance in any given year.

FRAW typically includes flooding from rivers with a catchment size greater than 3 square kilometres, and flooding from the sea (both along the open coast and tidal estuaries). Smaller watercourses with a catchment size smaller than 3 square kilometres are represented in the FRAW Surface Water data and maps.  

The assessment takes into account the location and standard of protection afforded by flood defences and adjusts the risk categorisation accordingly from an initial, ‘undefended’ scenario.

Further information is available on the Flooding reports, evidence and data pages of the NRW website.

Indicator 33: Percentage of dwellings with adequate energy performance

Source: Welsh housing conditions survey financial year 2017 to 2018

Dwellings with adequate energy performance have a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating of 65 or above. The SAP ratings were measured by qualified surveyors as part of the Welsh Housing Conditions Survey 2017 to 2018. More information can be found in the Welsh Housing Conditions Survey energy efficiency of dwellings report and technical report.

Indicator 34: Number of households successfully prevented from becoming homeless per 10,000 households

Source 1: Homelessness data collection, Welsh Government

Source 2: Household estimates for Wales, Welsh Government

Information in relation to data quality can be found in the quality report that accompanies the Homelessness release.

Indicator 35: Percentage of people attending or participating in arts, culture or heritage activities at least 3 times a year

Source: National Survey for Wales

This indicator measures the percentage of people who say they have attended or participated in an arts, culture or heritage activity 3 or more times in the previous 12 months.

More in-depth analysis is available in the statistical report “Arts, heritage sites, libraries and museums”. See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 36: Percentage of people who speak Welsh daily and can speak more than just a few words of Welsh

Source 1: Census of population, ONS

Source 2: Welsh Language Use Survey

Source 3: National Survey for Wales

The results are based on both census data and Welsh Language Use Survey data. 

In order to be consistent with national indicator 37, ‘Number of people who can speak Welsh’, this estimate is based on Census 2011 data as a baseline for the number of Welsh speakers, combined with data from the Welsh Language Use Survey   July 2019 to March 2020 for those who report being either ‘fluent in Welsh’, being able to ‘speak a fair amount of Welsh’, or those who could ‘only speak a little Welsh’; and who also speak Welsh daily. 

The Welsh Language Use Survey 2019 to 2020 noted that 10% of people aged 3 years or older spoke Welsh daily and could speak more than just a few words. This is the same percentage as in the Welsh Language Use Survey April 2013 to March 2015.

The National Survey for Wales provides annual data for people aged 16 years or older and suggests that this indicator has been stable over the past few years since Census 2011, at around 10 to 12%.

See the Welsh Language Use Survey quality report for more details on strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 37: Number of people who can speak Welsh

Source: Census of population, ONS

We consider the census to be the key source of information about the number of people aged 3 or older able to speak Welsh in Wales. Further quality and methods information about the census is available on the ONS website.

Information is also available from sources such as the Annual Population Survey and the National Survey for Wales. 

Differences in the estimates of Welsh language ability between the census and household surveys are longstanding, with household surveys typically providing us with higher estimates of Welsh-speaking ability. Both the ONS ('Differences in estimates of Welsh Language Skills') and the Welsh Government ('Welsh language data from the APS: 2001 to 2018') have explored possible reasons for some of these differences in the past. For example, the census is a statutory self-completion questionnaire while the APS is a voluntary survey, which uses face-to-face and telephone interviews.

Following the publication of Census 2021 data about the Welsh language, a workplan has been published which outlines the work that the ONS and the Welsh Government are planning to undertake during 2023-24 and beyond to improve our understanding of the main survey and administrative data sources used to produce statistics about the Welsh language. This workplan was accompanied by a blog post published by the Chief Statistician. 

Between censuses, the National Survey for Wales is used to monitor trends in the proportion of adults who can speak Welsh. The indicator is based on adults aged 16 years or older who report that they can speak Welsh. The question allows people to answer yes, no, and also allows people to spontaneously report that they can’t speak Welsh but that they have some Welsh-speaking ability. For the purpose of this indicator, people who can speak Welsh is defined as those who answer ‘yes’ to this question only.   

Comparisons with results from previous years of the National Survey for Wales (2012 to 2015) are possible. 

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for more details on strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 38: Percentage of people participating in sporting activities three or more times a week

Adults

Source: National Survey for Wales

For this indicator respondents were shown a series of indoor and outdoor activities and asked whether they had participated in any of them. If they did, they were asked how many times they had participated in the activity over the previous 4 weeks. 

The questions asked were originally from the Active Adults Survey, now incorporated into the National Survey for Wales, with some minor adaptation. Results from the Active Adults Survey and National Survey for Wales are not directly comparable due to differences in survey design. 

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for more details on strengths and limitations of the survey.

Children

Source: School Sport Survey, Sport Wales

The School Sport Survey is an online survey of pupils’ sports participation and school provision of physical education (PE) and sport. The latest School Sport Survey took place in 2022. Pupils complete a questionnaire on their participation and attitudes towards PE and sport. In the 2022 survey, 116,000 year 3 to 11 pupils took part in the survey from 1,000 schools.

Indicator 39: Percentage of museums and archives holding archival/heritage collections meeting UK accreditation standards

Source: Archive service accreditation, Welsh Government

The measure for museums shows the number of public institutions that have achieved the UK Museum Accreditation Standard. The baseline to be eligible for accreditation status is that the institution meets the Museums Association’s 1998 definition of a museum: “Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society”; be a physical site/space/building which is open to the public regularly; enables the public to see and engage with the institution’s collections; has an appropriate constitution which supports the long-term purpose of a public museum. To gain Accreditation status, a museum must demonstrate they are governed and managed properly, manage their collections effectively and provide appropriate user experiences.

The measure for archives shows the number of archive-holding institutions that have achieved the UK Archive Service Accreditation Standard. The baseline definition of an archive service for inclusion in this measure is that the institution should be recognised by The National Archives as a Place of Deposit for locally held public records (and therefore required to meet the Accreditation Standard to keep this statutory designation), and also be a member of Archives and Records Council Wales (ARCW).

Information on the accreditation process for both museums and archives is available on the Welsh Government website.

Indicator 40: Percentage of designated historic environment assets that are in stable or improved conditions

Source: Cadw

Scheduled monuments

Surveys of the condition of the scheduled monuments in Wales have been taking place since the mid-1980s and are carried out in-house by Cadw’s team of Field Monument Wardens. Today this is through a rolling survey programme during which 10 per cent of assets are surveyed each year to a consistent assessment methodology. Seven overall condition categories are used, ranging from destroyed to greatly improved. 

Most scheduled monuments are earthwork structures and unoccupied historic buildings, usually in ruined condition such as castles, medieval abbeys and abandoned industrial remains. Many are in remote and rural locations. The physical nature of the scheduled monuments means that in the absence of any specific interventions, the most likely condition assessment for the majority would be stable or demonstrating slight deterioration. Improvement to condition is almost without exception a consequence of active intervention such as positive land management and targeted conservation projects. The main threats affecting monuments recorded as being at risk are significant weathering, storm and flood damage – all of which have links with the effects of climate change and excessive unchecked vegetation growth leading to accelerated natural decay – which is best controlled through positive land management practices. 

Listed buildings

Surveys of the condition of listed buildings have been carried out in Wales since 1998. The review programmes cover a five-year rolling period, with approximately 20 per cent of listed buildings stock in Wales being surveyed per year. The programme of surveys will ensure that the condition of all 30,000 listed buildings in Wales during the survey programme period is assessed using consistent methodology. The proportion of listed buildings in a stable or improving condition is calculated using existing survey data and the most up-to-date data available from the 20 per cent of the building stock which has been re-surveyed in the past year.

The figures presented for each year relate to the sample surveyed during the course of that year. Each year’s sample is drawn from a small number of local authorities across different Welsh regions. Some year-on-year variation is to be expected.

Indicator 41: Emissions of greenhouse gases within Wales

Source: National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory

The UK level data on greenhouse gas emissions is produced under contract for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The report on this dataset is published annually and provides information on the methodology, data sources and quality assurance (National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory). 

The Welsh data on greenhouse gas emissions are based on the UK level data with Welsh specific data sources used where available. Where there is no Welsh level data a variety of methods are used to split out from the UK level data including splitting by proportion of population or economic activity. There is greater uncertainty when modelling complex systems such as agricultural emissions and land use. The data are quality assured by the producers of the statistics and key stakeholders including Welsh Government.

The sectors used when reporting on greenhouse gas emissions within Wales have changed, but this does not affect the estimate of the total amount of emissions. Territorial emissions in Wales were previously reported using National Communication (NC) sectors these have been replaced by Territorial Emissions Statistics’ (TES) sectors to better meet user need. The TES sectors are similar to the previous NC sectors and the DESNZ has published a mapping between the two sector definitions (DESNZ).

Indicator 42: Emissions of greenhouse gases attributed to the consumption of global goods and services in Wales

Source: University of Leeds, Sustainability Research Institute

Information on the quality of consumption emission statistics can be found in Annex A of the Statement of Progress on Carbon Budget 1 in the methodology section (page 96).

Indicator 43: Area of healthy ecosystems in Wales

Source: Briefing note, Natural Resources Wales (NRW)

NRW have developed a new approach using satellite imagery to update our existing understanding of the distribution and extent of habitats across Wales. This will be capable of being updated in the coming years using consistent data sources and methodology. 

The latest estimate using this new methodology should be considered as ‘experimental’ at this stage, as further work is intended to refine the approach and allow more detailed presentation of the results in future. The estimate of semi-natural habitat presented here includes land areas which are clearly semi-natural habitats, those which are bracken and some areas of land, here called ‘candidate semi-natural’ habitats which have the potential to function more like semi-natural habitats than habitats that have been subject to intensive agricultural improvement. 

For further details see NRW Briefing: A new baseline of the area of semi-natural habitat in Wales for Indicator 43 (NRW).

Indicator 44: Status of biological diversity in Wales

Source: ERAMMP Report 78: development of indicator 44

Work has been commissioned through the Welsh Government ERAMMP (Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring & Modelling Programme) on developing the national indicator on Status of Biological Diversity in Wales. The focus of this work has been on combining annual estimates into a single indicator of change in the distribution of priority species over time. 

See the ERAMMP Report-78: Interim Report on the Development of Indicator-44 (Status of Biological Diversity in Wales) for further information on methodology.

Indicator 45: Percentage of surface water bodies and groundwater bodies achieving good or high overall status

Source: Water Watch Wales (Natural Resources Wales)

Water quality: Percentage of surface water bodies and groundwater bodies achieving good or high overall status under the Water Framework Directive. Surface water bodies in Wales are classified on their status by NRW as a requirement of the Water Framework Directive. Good status is defined as water that shows only a slight change from what would normally be expected under undisturbed conditions. Good overall status (Water Framework Directive) encompasses:

Surface water

• ‘Good surface water status’ is that achieved by a surface water body when both its ‘ecological status’ and its ‘chemical status’ are at least good.
• ‘Ecological status’ is an expression of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface waters. Such waters are classified as of ‘good ecological status’ when they meet Directive requirements.
• ‘Good surface water chemical status’ means that concentrations of chemicals in the water body do not exceed the environmental limit values specified in the Directive.

Ground water

• ‘Good groundwater status’ is that achieved by a groundwater body when both its quantitative status and chemical status are good.
• ‘Quantitative status’ is an expression of the degree to which a body of groundwater is affected by direct and indirect abstractions. If this complies with Directive requirements the status is good.
• ‘Good chemical status’ is ascribed to a groundwater when it meets Directive requirements for the maximum levels of defined chemicals.

Indicator 46: Active global citizenship in Wales

Source: National Survey for Wales

A new set of questions about participation in global affairs was introduced in 2021 and was included in the online section of the National Survey. The questions ask whether respondents have donated or raised money, volunteered or supported any activities related to global issues such as human rights, refugees, or global environmental issues.  

See the National Survey for Wales quality report for further information on the strengths and limitations of the survey.

Indicator 47: Percentage of people who have confidence in the justice system

Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW)

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) is an annual survey asking people aged 16 years and over whether they are confident that the criminal justice system as a whole is fair and effective. CSEW estimates are accredited official statistics and were independently reviewed by the Office for Statistics Regulation in October 2024. 

For CSEW quality and methodology information including questionnaires, see Crime and justice methodology (GOV.UK). Wales sample sizes for the criminal justice perceptions questions can be found alongside the estimates in the Perceptions criminal justice system open data tables (GOV.UK).

Legal Needs Survey

The Legal Needs Survey 2023 was commissioned by the Law Society and Legal Services Board to identify people’s legal needs. The survey, conducted by YouGov, covers 34 different legal issues, how legal consumers handled these issues along with their outcomes, and assesses the confidence of respondents in various legal situations. 

To enable more detailed analysis in understanding the legal needs of individuals in Wales, the number of respondents surveyed in Wales was boosted over and above the representative proportion of the overall England and Wales population. In total, 1,565 respondents were surveyed in Wales, and their answers were down-weighted in the main estimates to reflect the correct population share.

The accessibility of justice scale comprises 9 questions (see Annex B of the survey technical report) relating to the effectiveness and fairness of the non-criminal justice system. Respondents answer through a 4-point Likert scale and a scoring system (0 to 3) is applied to each response. These were summed to an overall score and then transformed to produce a score on a 0 to 100 scale. Respondents with scores of 0 to 50 were considered to have high scores, indicating high confidence in the accessibility non-criminal justice system. Scores of 51 to 69 indicate medium confidence, and a score of 70 or more indicates low confidence in the accessibility of the non-criminal justice system. 

For more quality and methodology information see the technical report on the Legal Services Board website.

Indicator 48: Percentage of journeys by walking, cycling or public transport

Source: Labour Force Survey, ONS

Until data is available from a National Travel Survey, this indicator is measured using data on the usual method of travel to work from the labour force survey. See the Labour Force Survey quality report (ONS) for further information.

Indicator 49: Percentage of households spending 30% or more of their income on housing costs

Source: Family Resources Survey (FRS), Department for Work and Pensions

Percentage of households spending 30% or more of their income on housing costs derived from data from the Department for Work and Pensions’ FRS. Housing costs include rents, mortgage interest and capital repayments, water and sewerage rates, structural insurance cover, service charges and council tax (net of rebates). Domestic energy use such as gas and electric costs are not collected as part of this survey and are not included. Income is gross unequivalised household income for all members of the household and includes all benefits, pensions, investments and earnings. Data is presented for different housing tenures including: All tenures; owned outright; owned with a mortgage; private rented; and social housing rented (from local authority or Registered Social Landlord). Results are based on financial years’ data. Due to the small sample sizes for Wales in the Family Resources Survey data 3 financial years are combined. 

Estimates for periods which span the financial year 2020 to 2021 do not include the data collected during 2020 to 2021 in calculations. For those periods shown, estimates formerly calculated as 3 to 5 year rolling averages are based on 2 to 4 year rolling averages that omit the 2020 to 2021 survey data. Financial year 2020 to 2021 estimates are unreliable as they are based on data collected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown rules severely disrupted the data collection.

Data collection during 2021 to 2022 was via telephone interviewing as opposed to the established face to face method used prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we have assessed the 2021 to 2022 data quality to be robust enough for publication, there remains some residual bias in the survey sample resulting from the change in survey mode. More information on data quality is available in the DWP technical report.

it is important to note that these figures are based on results from the Family Resources Survey (FRS) which has a small sample for Wales, and it is unlikely that year-on-year changes are statistically significant. Therefore, we advise caution when looking at changes over time. The FRS issued household sample size for Wales was boosted in the financial year 2021 to 2022. 2022 to 2023 saw a decrease in sample but was still higher than what was achieved between 2010 to 2011 and 2020 to 2021.

Indicator 50: Status of digital inclusion

Currently under development, alongside the development of a minimum digital living standard. Further details on the measure for this indicator will be added as the indicator is developed.

For quality information on National Indicator data sources refer to National well-being indicators and milestones data sources.

Indicators included in this chapter

Indicator 6: Measurement of development of young children

Indicator 7: Average capped 9 points score of pupils, including the gap between those who are eligible or are not eligible for free school meals

Indicator 8: Percentage of adults with qualifications at the different levels of the National Qualifications Framework

Indicator 9: Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked, index (UK = 100)

Indicator 10: Gross Disposable Household Income per head

Indicator 11: Percentage of businesses which are innovation-active

Indicator 16: Percentage of people in employment, who are on permanent contracts (or on temporary contracts, and not seeking permanent employment) and who earn at least the real Living Wage

Indicator 17: Pay difference for gender, disability and ethnicity

Indicator 18: Percentage of people living in households in income poverty relative to the UK median: measured for children, working age and those of pension age

Indicator 19: Percentage of people living in households in material deprivation

Indicator 20: Proportion of employees whose pay is set by collective bargaining

Indicator 21: Percentage of people in employment

Indicator 22: Percentage of people in education, employment or training, measured for different age groups

Indicator 49: Percentage of households spending 30% or more of their income on housing costs

Contextual data sources

Economic performance

Regional gross value added (balanced) per head and income components (ONS)

For an overview of the methodology used to compile regional accounts outputs, see the Regional accounts methodology guide (ONS). This guide is intended to give the user an understanding of what comprises regional accounts in the UK, how regional estimates of GVA(I), GVA(P), GVA(B), GDHI and GFCF are compiled, the different data that are used in the compilation of the estimates, and the concepts that underpin the whole process.

Regional Gross Value Added (Balanced) estimates are designated as Accredited Official Statistics. See the Regional gross value added (balanced) Quality and Methodology Information (ONS).

Regional and sub-regional productivity in the UK: June 2023 (ONS)

See the Data sources and quality section of the report for quality and methodology information.

Consumer Price Inflation (ONS)

These data are published as Accredited Official Statistics. See the measuring the data and strengths and limitations sections of the release for quality and methodology information.

Household income

Gross disposable household income (ONS)                              

For an overview of the methodology used to compile regional accounts outputs, see the Regional accounts methodology guide (ONS). This guide is intended to give the user an understanding of what comprises regional accounts in the UK, how regional estimates of GVA(I), GVA(P), GVA(B), GDHI and GFCF are compiled, the different data that are used in the compilation of the estimates, and the concepts that underpin the whole process.

Regional gross disposable household income, UK statistical bulletins (ONS)

Regional gross disposable household income is designated Accredited Official Statistics. See the Regional gross disposable household income quality and methodology information (ONS)

Labour market

Labour market statistics (APS)

These estimates were previously classed as accredited official statistics (up to summer 2024). However, the APS has seen a fall in sample sizes over recent years, given this and the fact that the survey has not been reweighted to latest population estimates, the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has agreed that this accreditation should be temporarily suspended and that the estimates should be re-designated as official statistics (OSR). See the quality information section of the release for quality and methodology information. 

Labour market overview

These data are designated as Official Statistics. See the quality information section in the latest monthly report.

Regional labour market statistics in the UK Statistical bulletins (ONS)

This bulletin uses data collected from the LFS, and the APS derived from it, the largest household survey in the UK. These data are designated as Accredited Official Statistics.

Quality and methodology information on strengths, limitations and appropriate uses, is available in the LFS QMI (ONS). The LFS performance and quality monitoring reports (ONS) provide data on response rates and quality-related issues.

Annual survey of hours and earnings

These data are taken from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which is run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and are published as Accredited Official Statistics.

See the ASHE, Low pay and Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings pension results QMI (ONS) for more information.

Participation in education and the labour market 

Participation of young people in education and the labour market: 2022 and 2023 (provisional)

These data are designated as Accredited Official Statistics. See the quality information section of the release for quality and methodology information.

Fair work and earnings

Real Living Wage (Living Wage Foundation)

The Living Wage Foundation is a campaigning organisation in the United Kingdom which aims to persuade employers to pay a living wage. See section 4 (methodology) of the report on calculating the Real Living Wage 2024 (Living Wage Foundation) for quality and methodology information.

Percentage of people moderately or very satisfied with their jobs by age (StatsWales)

These data are collected as part of the National Survey for Wales. See the quality information of the National Survey for Wales section for quality and methodology information.

Gender pay difference in Wales by year (median hourly earnings full-time employees excluding overtime) (StatsWales)

The data are taken from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which is run by the ONS. These are published as Accredited Official Statistics. See the Summary information and Statistical quality information tabs section on the Gender pay difference in Wales by year (median hourly earnings full-time employees excluding overtime) (£) (StatsWales).

Annual survey of hours and earnings

These data are taken from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which is run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and are published as Accredited Official Statistics.

See the ASHE, Low pay and Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings pension results QMI (ONS) for more information.

Poverty

Relative income poverty

These data are designated as Accredited Official Statistics. See Household below average income series: quality and methodology information report (DWP) for more information.

Persistent poverty

Data on persistent poverty in Wales comes from the DWP. These data are published as Official Statistics. See Income Dynamics: background information and methodology (DWP) for quality and methodology information.

Material deprivation

These data are collected as part of the National Survey for Wales. See the quality reports for the National Survey for Wales results on the technical Information page.

Student Health and Wellbeing Survey (School Health Research Network (SHRN))

The survey is carried out by the SHRN, which is a partnership between Welsh Government; PHW; Cancer Research UK; the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD); and Cardiff University. The survey is undertaken every 2 years, and provides a regular snapshot of the health behaviours of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales. The survey is completed online in the classroom setting. In academic year 2019 to 2020, almost 120,000 students took part in the survey.

See the Methods section of the report for further quality and methodology information. Further detailed data is available in PHWs Secondary School Children's Health and Well-being Dashboard

For quality information on National Indicator data sources refer to National well-being indicators and milestones data sources.

Indicators included in this chapter

Indicator 4: Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in the air

Indicator 12: Capacity (in MW) of renewable energy equipment installed

Indicator 13: Concentration of carbon and organic matter in soil

Indicator 15: Amount of waste generated that is not recycled, per person

Indicator 32: Number of properties (homes and businesses) at medium or high risk of flooding from rivers and the sea

Indicator 33: Percentage of dwellings with adequate energy performance

Indicator 43: Areas of healthy ecosystems in Wales

Indicator 44: Status of biological diversity in Wales

Indicator 45: Percentage of surface water bodies, and groundwater bodies, achieving good or high overall status

Contextual data sources

Biodiversity and habitat

State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) 2020 (Natural Resources Wales (NRW))

The State of Natural Resources Report is created by NRW. 

See SoNaRR 2020: Our Method (NRW) for an overview of the method NRW of Natural Resources (SMNR).

State of Nature report for Wales (State of Nature Partnership)

Water

State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR) 2020 (Natural Resources Wales (NRW))

The State of Natural Resources Report is created by NRW. 

See SoNaRR 2020: Our Method (NRW) for an overview of the method NRW of Natural Resources (SMNR).

Wales bathing water quality report (NRW)

See the monitoring and classification in 2024 section of the report for quality and methodology information.

Air quality

Air Quality Management Areas

Section 82 of the Environment Act 1995 (UK legislation) requires every local authority to review the present and likely future air quality within its area. Section 83 requires local authorities to designate an air quality management area (AQMA) when a national air quality objective is not being achieved, or is not likely to be achieved. Section 84 then requires a local authority to develop an action plan for the AQMA.

The Air Quality in Wales tables summarises the local authorities across Wales that have declared active AQMAs.

For quality information on National Indicator data sources refer to National well-being indicators and milestones data sources.

Indicators included in this chapter

Indicator 1: Percentage of live single births with a birth weight of under 2,500g

Indicator 2: Healthy life expectancy at birth including the gap between the least and most deprived

Indicator 3: Percentage of adults with two or more healthy lifestyle behaviours

Indicator 5: Percentage of children with two or more healthy lifestyle behaviours

Indicator 29: Mean mental well-being score for people

Indicator 31: Percentage of dwellings which are free from hazards

Contextual data sources

Mortality statistics for England and Wales are designated as Accredited Official Statistics. Quality and methodology information for mortality statistics is available in the Mortality statistics in England and Wales QMI (ONS) and the User guide to mortality statistics (ONS). Additional sources of quality and methodology information for the mortality statistics used in the Wellbeing of Wales report are listed below. 

Deaths registered in England and Wales (ONS)

Health expectancies in Wales with inequality gap (PHW)

See the “technical document” which can be downloaded from the webpage. The ONS continue to publish the SII at national level as part of their Health state life expectancies release (ONS).

Life expectancy for local areas of the UK (ONS)

Health state life expectancies data are designated as Accredited Official Statistics. See the measuring the data and strengths and limitations sections of the bulletin for quality and methodology information. More quality and methodology information on strengths, limitations, appropriate uses, and how the data were created is available in the Health state life expectancies, UK QMI (ONS).

Life expectancy and mortality in Wales (PHW)

The Life expectancy and mortality in Wales publication describes trends in life expectancy, healthy life expectancy and mortality, along with life expectancy decomposition analysis in Wales. 

The notes sections provide further guidance on the indicator definition, any caveats, and the methods and data sources used. Some of the data sources used do not constitute Official Statistics.

Maternity and birth statistics

This release focuses on statistics for births using data sourced from Maternity Indicators dataset (MI ds) and the National Community Child Health Database (NCCHD). The MI ds combines a child’s birth record with their mother’s initial assessment record (where possible). All statistics produced from this source are experimental statistics (GSS) as the dataset is still relatively new and not all data items have a high percentage of valid data recorded.

See the quality and methodology information section of the release for quality and methodology information.

Student Health and Wellbeing Survey (School Health Research Network (SHRN))

The survey is carried out by the SHRN, which is a partnership between Welsh Government; PHW; Cancer Research UK; the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD); and Cardiff University. The survey is undertaken every 2 years, and provides a regular snapshot of the health behaviours of 11 to 16 year olds in Wales. The survey is completed online in the classroom setting. In academic year 2019 to 2020, almost 120,000 students took part in the survey.

See the Methods section of the report for further quality and methodology information. Further detailed data is available in PHWs Secondary School Children's Health and Well-being Dashboard.

Welsh Housing Conditions Survey (assessment of elements of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard): April 2017 to March 2018

This release looks at an assessment of some elements of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) as measured by the Welsh Housing Conditions Survey 2017 to 2018. Users wanting to look at trends in meeting the quality standard for social housing over time should use the Welsh Housing Quality Standard Official Statistics, those wanting to compare across tenures should use the Welsh Housing Conditions Survey WHQS report (noting that only a subset of elements have been measured). The 2 data sources are not directly comparable. Further information on how the survey assessed the Welsh Housing Quality Standard can be found in the WHQS technical report.

Welsh Housing Quality Standard

These official statistics present information from the annual data collection measuring the self-reported progress made by social landlords in achieving the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) for their stock. Further information on the quality of these statistics can be found in the WHQS quality report.

Housing hazards and licences

Information on the condition of residential properties assessed by local authorities under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

For quality information on National Indicator data sources refer to National well-being indicators and milestones data sources.

Indicators included in this chapter:

Indicator 7: Average capped 9 points score of pupils, including the gap between those who are eligible or are not eligible for free school meals

Indicator 8: Percentage of adults with qualifications at the different levels of the National Qualifications Framework

Indicator 17: Pay difference for gender, disability and ethnicity

Indicator 18: Percentage of people living in households in income poverty relative to the UK median: measured for children, working age and those of pension age

Indicator 19: Percentage of people living in households in material deprivation

Indicator 21: Percentage of people in employment

Indicator 25: Percentage of people who feel safe at home, walking in the local area, and when travelling

Indicator 29: Mean mental well-being score for people

Indicator 30: Percentage of people who are lonely

Contextual data sources

Census of population (Welsh Government and ONS)

The census is held every 10 years. The most recent census was held on 21 March 2021. See the Census 2021 quality and methodology information report (ONS) for further information.

There are also specific quality considerations for Census 2021 information collected on religion (ONS), and sexual orientation and gender identity (ONS).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have completed further quality work to provide more detailed information on the uncertainty associated with the Census 2021 gender identity estimates and guidance on their appropriate use. See their Census 2021 gender identity estimates for England and Wales, additional guidance on uncertainty and appropriate use article (ONS) published on 26 March.

School Health Research Network Secondary School Survey (Welsh Government, Public Health Wales, Cardiff University)

A survey of learners in all maintained secondary schools and some independent schools in Wales conducted every 2 years. The survey covers a range of topics: mental health and wellbeing, physical activity and nutrition, substance use, sexual health and social relationships. See the School Health Research Network (SHRN) methodology article for further information. These statistics are not official statistics.

For quality information on National Indicator data sources refer to National well-being indicators and milestones data sources.

Indicators included in this chapter

Indicator 23: Percentage who feel able to influence decisions affecting their local area

Indicator 24: Percentage of people satisfied with their ability to get to/ access the facilities and services they need

Indicator 25: Percentage of people feeling safe at home, walking in the local area, and when travelling

Indicator 26: Percentage of people satisfied with local area as a place to live

Indicator 27: Percentage of people agreeing that they belong to the area; that people from different backgrounds get on well together; and that people treat each other with respect

Indicator 28: Percentage of people who volunteer

Indicator 30: Percentage of people who are lonely

Indicator 34: Number of households successfully prevented from becoming homeless per 10,000 households

Indicator 47: Percentage of people who have confidence in the justice system

Indicator 50: Status of digital inclusion

Contextual data sources

Homelessness

Homelessness statistics

See Homelessness: quality report for information on what these statistics are; users and uses; the data processing cycle; standards; and quality.

Homelessness accommodation provision and rough sleeping

Details on the quality of the statistics can be found in the quality and methodology information section of the publication.

Crime

Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS)

Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates are accredited official statistics and were independently reviewed by the Office for Statistics Regulation in October 2024. They comply with the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics and should be labelled "accredited official statistics". Quality and methodology information for Crime Survey for England and Wales data can be found in the Crime Survey for England and Wales section of the User guide to crime statistics for England and Wales: March 2025 (ONS).

Perceptions other data tables (ONS)

The download ZIP for the perceptions other tables contains a CSEW open table instructions document with more information on definitions.

Personal crime prevalence (ONS)

The download ZIP for the personal crime prevalence tables contains a CSEW open table instructions document with more information on definitions.

Crime in England and Wales: Police Force Area data tables (ONS)

These data tables are published alongside the bulletin Crime in England and Wales, year ending March 2024. Police recorded crime data are not designated as Accredited Official Statistics.

Hate crime in England and Wales (HO)

Statistics on hate crimes recorded by the police, including section on data sources and quality.

National Survey for Wales

See the quality reports for the National Survey for Wales results on the technical information page.

For information on the methodology used in the Poverty and deprivation (National Survey for Wales): April 2022 to March 2023 report see the technical report on Regression analysis, April 2021 to March 2022.

For quality information on National Indicator data sources refer to National well-being indicators and milestones data sources.

Indicators included in this chapter

Indicator 35: Percentage of people attending or participating in arts, culture or heritage activities at least three times a year

Indicator 36: Percentage of people who speak Welsh daily and can speak more than just a few words of Welsh

Indicator 37: Number of people who can speak Welsh

Indicator 38: Percentage of people participating in sporting activities three or more times a week

Indicator 39: Percentage of museums and archives holding archival/heritage collections meeting UK accreditation standards

Indicator 40: Percentage of designated historic environment assets that are in stable or improved conditions

Contextual data sources

Arts attendance and participation

National Survey for Wales

See the quality reports for the National Survey for Wales results on the technical information page.

Children’s omnibus survey 2023 (Arts Council of Wales)

See the methodology section of the Children’s omnibus survey 2023: General attendance and participation report for more information. This data is published as Official Statistics.

Sports participation

National Survey for Wales

See the quality reports for the National Survey for Wales results on the technical information page.

Welsh language

Census of population (Welsh Government and ONS)

The census is held every 10 years. The most recent census was held on 21 March 2021. See the Census 2021 quality and methodology information report (ONS) for further information.

There are also specific quality considerations for Census 2021 information collected on ethnic group, disabled people and sexual orientation and gender identity (ONS).

• Welsh language in Wales
• Welsh language by population characteristics
• Welsh language composition of households
• Welsh language household transmission rates by sex

National Survey for Wales

See the quality reports for the National Survey for Wales results on the technical information page.

Welsh language data from the APS

These data are designated as Accredited Official Statistics. Contextual, quality and methodology information can be found in the Summary information and Statistical quality information tabs of the Annual Population Survey Welsh Language StatsWales tables. 

The APS is carried out by the ONS. Details about how the survey is developed and carried out can be found in the APS quality and methodology information (StatsWales) report.

For quality information on National Indicator data sources refer to National well-being indicators and milestones data sources.

Indicators included in this chapter

Indicator 14: The global footprint of Wales

Indicator 41: Emissions of greenhouse gases within Wales

Indicator 42: Emissions of greenhouse gases attributed to the consumption of global goods and services in Wales

Indicator 46: Active global citizenship in Wales

Indicator 48: Percentage of journeys by walking, cycling or public transport

Contextual data sources

National Survey for Wales

See the quality reports for the National Survey for Wales results on the technical information page.

For information on the methodology used in the Poverty and deprivation (National Survey for Wales): April 2022 to March 2023 report see the technical report on regression analysis, April 2021 to March 2022.

Modern Slavery, National Referral Mechanism statistics (Home Office)

See the quality information section of the report for quality and methodology information. These data are published as official statistics.

Forced Marriage Unit statistics (FMU)

The FMU is a joint Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and HO unit working on the government’s forced marriage policy, outreach and casework. It operates both inside the UK, where support is provided to any individual, and overseas, where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals.

These data are published as official statistics. See the User guide to: Forced Marriage Unit statistics (FMU) for quality and methodology information.

Global Citizenship Education, analysis provided by WJEC (see corresponding data tables)

Analysis provided by WJEC for the production of the wellbeing report.

Immigration and refugee statistics (Home Office)

These data are sourced from HO administrative data, which are published as Accredited Official Statistics. See the User Guide to Immigration Statistics (HO) for information on the quality and methodology of the HO data.

Additional information can be found in the Notes tabs of the data tables.

Tables used

Asy_D11 – immigration statistics 

Vaccine uptake in children in Wales (PHW)

Vaccination uptake data are provided by the PHW national COVER scheme. These data are not published as official statistics. This surveillance scheme, which is run by the PHW Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme (VPDP) and Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), calculates vaccine coverage using data from National Community Child Health Database (NCCHD). The NCCHD is maintained by NHS Wales Information Service (NWIS) and is comprised of extracted records of all health board Child Health office database across Wales. The NCCHD is refreshed on a quarterly basis.

The denominator of uptake calculations used in the annual COVER report is the number of children registered with Child Health offices who reached key measurement birthdays during the April to march year and were living and resident in Welsh health boards as at the end of this period. Children are deemed to be vaccinated by a measurement age if they have a documented vaccination date in their child health record, which is before the relevant birthday.

Data quality within the NCCHD may diminish for older children who receive less frequent contact from health care professionals, and whose child health records may be updated less frequently.