Applications of Population Counts Based on Administrative Data at Local Level

Abstract

The House of Commons Treasury Committee (2008) identified the three main purposes of population statistics as resource allocation, population ratios and local planning and intelligence, and described current population estimates as 'unfit for purpose'. This paper considers the limitations of current population statistics in the context of these purposes and how using administrative data available at local authority level can overcome them. A sequel to a companion paper in this journal dealing with the population counting methodology, it considers how administrative data can be captured and organised at a local level for the benefit of local service providers and communities. A detailed example based on one London local authority shows the results of this approach in applications related to the three purposes given. A concluding section reflects on the wider applicability of the approach. © 2011 The Author(s).