We collect, store, process and use data to produce statistics that help us to understand the UK's economy, society and population. We use data for statistics and research that can help to benefit society. This could include everything from healthcare and school places to environmental issues.
Organisations use our statistics to make important decisions that affect us all. For example, local government use the information to help plan services, such as schools, hospitals and rubbish collection. Businesses use it to decide where to establish themselves, which can create job opportunities.
Charities also use our data and statistics to help target their support and help get the funding they need. For example, the Mental Health Foundation used census data to support those groups of the population more likely to be at risk of mental ill-health. Renewable UK used our statistics to track both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
How different organisations use census information and population statistics
The information we produce on population statistics helps a range of organisations plan for the future. For example, information from Census 2021 provided the Royal British Legion with the first comprehensive picture of those who have previously served in the UK armed forces. It also helped the Kashmir Development Foundation to design and deliver services that meet the needs of their community. The London Fire Brigade used census data to assess risk levels and created an online postcode tool for people to look up their area.
Read our census stories to find out how different organisations use census information to plan services.
Watch the census stories videos in our Census stories YouTube playlist.
How administrative data can help tell the story of our local areas
We are proposing to transform the way we produce population and migration statistics using administrative data, also known as admin data. Our case studies show how admin-based statistics could be used in future to paint a more detailed, up-to-date picture of local areas.
For example, they show that Blackpool has an ageing population, but the largest percentage of people living in Manchester were aged 20 to 29 years. They also show how certain local areas experience higher population counts at certain points in the day.
Find out more in Case studies for the population and migration statistics transformation: England and Wales, 2023.