2021 census ‘could be the last’ with data potentially coming from driving licences and GP registrations

The 2021 census could be the last one ever carried out, with the UK’s national statistician reported to be looking at ways to replace it.

The Guardian said on Wednesday that Professor Sir Ian Diamond wants to explore whether he could collect the data recorded in the census from a range of other sources.

These could include GP registrations, council tax records and driving licences, which could also be supplemented by information gathered by surveys.

Sir Ian, who took up the role in October last year, said: “I will only make a recommendation to change the way we do things if we can replicate the richness of the census data.

“It would have to be equally rich but more timely, cheaper and more effective.

“We will only change if we can do something better."

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The census, which has been carried out every 10 years for almost two centuries, provides valuable population information to help councils and governments plan services.

Sir Ian said the cost of next year’s census would be close to £1 billion – almost double the price tag for the one in 2011 – even though most people will be expected to fill in their forms online, the Guardian reported.

Demographers consider the census to be the “gold standard” of population records, since it provides a once-a-decade snapshot of age, class, gender, housing tenure and educational attainment.

Sir Ian said he would look at the evidence and give an opinion by 2023, but it would be for the Government to decide whether the 2031 census should go ahead.