2001 Census Background

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Census?
• Why is it important?
• What were the questions?
• What areas can we get Census data for?
• How was the data collected?
• How is the data kept confidential?
• Who can access the data?
• What's new about the 2001
• Census?
• Where can I find 1991 Census data?
• Where can I find historical Census data?

What is the Census?

The Census is a count of all people and households carried out by the Office for National Statistics once every ten years. The most recent Census was held on 29th April 2001.

Why is it important?

The Census is unique because it asks everyone the same questions all over the country. Organisations such as local authorities depend on it to help them understand their community, target their resources and plan their services.

What were the questions?

All the questions can be found in the Census Form . They cover population and households, housing, health, qualifications, employment, transport and culture.

What areas can we get Census data for?

Local results are available for Districts (e.g. Tameside), Wards (e.g. Denton West), and Output Areas (groups of about 125 households). A basic headcount is also available at the Unit Postcode level (e.g. OL6 6DL).

How was the data collected?

Enumerators delivered Census Forms to every household and communal establishment in the country. Most were then posted back, and others were collected by enumerators.

How is the data kept confidential?

Contents of individual census forms will be kept under lock and key for 100 years, before becoming available for use by family historians. Until then, only total counts for geographical areas will be released. These are scrupulously designed to give nothing away about individual persons or households.

Who can access the data?

Everybody can help themselves to 2001 Census data from the National Statistics website , or for smaller areas from the Neighbourhood Statistics website . However if you want to publish it you need a free Click-use Licence .

What's new about the 2001 Census?

• The 2001 Census takes a new approach to estimating how many people didn't respond, and builds an allowance for this into all the published results
• Students are counted at their term-time address, instead of their home address as previously
• There are various new questions and categories

These changes mean that we have to be cautious when comparing the data to 1991 Census results.

Where can I find 1991 Census data?

1991 Census data has been removed from the website, but please contact the Policy Unit if you need it.

Where can I find historical Census data?

Census forms from over 100 years ago can be consulted at the Local Studies Library. Or you can access the 1901 Census online.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Policy Unit Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 2170
0161 342 2147