Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
The UK Statistics Authority has today announced its recommendation on the future of population and migration statistics in Wales and England. The Authority recommends that a census should be conducted in 2031, alongside continuing to develop statistics using administrative data. In addition, the Authority recommends that the Welsh Government (and UK government) provides a commitment to share and invest in administrative datasets.
I welcome the recommendation for a census of the population in Wales in 2031 and support the further development of statistics using administrative data. The Welsh Government and many other users in Wales make extensive use of census statistics for policy, planning and funding purposes. I believe users of statistics in Wales will welcome these recommendations which ensure their needs for inclusive, accurate and granular data will continue to be met.
The Office for National Statistics has also published today the Census 2021 General Report for England and Wales. This summarises the census operations from 2021, and lessons learned to be taken forward in a future census.
It is for the UK government to decide whether or not to call a census. But if this recommendation is accepted, the Welsh Government will work closely with the Office for National Statistics in preparing for a census in 2031, building on the successes and lessons learned from Census 2021. The Welsh Government commits to share with the ONS the data required to conduct a census and to support the production of statistics from administrative data. I have written to the UK government to confirm the Welsh Government's support for these recommendations, and a copy of that letter is included with this statement.