Probably the last thing on your mind as you contemplate 2026’s in-tray is the next UK census.
But at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), work is under way to finalise topics for inclusion and the deadline for you to inform this process is 4 February.
Census is a unique moment in time, when we gather information about people’s lives not captured in other ways.
Many core topics on age, education and the jobs we do have remained consistent over time, but new topics have been added (in 2021, we asked people if they had previously served in the UK armed forces).
Equally, if there is no evidence that census data users still need particular information, or if it can be sourced another way, the topic is removed to keep the burden on respondents proportionate.
We’re currently reviewing around 50 sub-topics, from demographics and housing to newer areas such as type of health condition, impairment or disability.
The data collected in 2031 will influence public service planning, policy development, funding allocation and equality monitoring for years to come.
That’s why it is vital to hear from local government representatives, as one of the key user groups of census data.
What do you need from a census in an age of rapid societal and technological change? The impact of e-bikes or e-scooters on local journey needs, perhaps?
The next census will provide high-quality statistics to meet your needs for the 2030s and be a strong foundation for meeting future population data needs across the decade, using the best available sources.
However, we need your evidence to support decisions about which topics should be included.
The deadline to respond to the ONS consultation is 4 February 2026 – we want to hear from you now and throughout the census planning process.
- See ONS website to find out more about the census consultation and submit your response.