ONS

The potential future direction of local population change: the power of variant projections

Categories: Census, Education, Housing, ONS, Population

The Office for National Statistics produces subnational population projections (SNPPs) to give users an indication of the potential future population size of English local authorities and health geographies. Today we’ve released our 2022-based SNPPs which will be widely used in planning, for example, health, education and housing. We don’t know exactly what will happen in a local area in 10- or 20-years’ time, so offer a range of scenarios, or variants, so decision makers can use the right projection for their needs. In today’s bulletin, we focus on the ‘migration category variant’. James Robards explains what this is and why we’re using this approach.

Read more on The potential future direction of local population change: the power of variant projections

The Nation in Numbers: How we count the population

Categories: Data, ONS, Population

Population statistics aren’t just about counting people—they’re about understanding the nature of our society and its needs.  But how are these figures created, and what makes them reliable? 

In our next Bringing Data to Life webinar, taking place on Tuesday 24 June from 4pm to 5pm, we’re taking a closer look at these fundamental statistics. From measuring today’s population to modelling tomorrow’s needs, this session introduces the people, methods and data that underpin key decisions across the UK. 

Read more on The Nation in Numbers: How we count the population

Encouraging greater collaboration: Introducing StatsUserNetwork

Categories: Data, ONS, Research
Image of a person inputting data

The relationship between statistics producers and users has often relied on structured, one-way channels. Now a new platform from the ONS is set to change that dynamic, encouraging greater collaboration between those who produce the statistics and those who depend on them. In this blog Dan Grace explains what the new StatsUserNetwork offers, who it’s for, and the potential it unlocks for anyone working with official statistics. 

Read more on Encouraging greater collaboration: Introducing StatsUserNetwork

What’s driving the fall in net migration?

Categories: migration, ONS, Population
Arrivals to a UK airport at border control

Following policy changes, there was a record fall in net migration in 2024. With fewer people arriving on work and study-related visas and emigration returning to pre-pandemic levels, net migration is at the lowest level seen since 2021. Mary Gregory looks in more detail at the latest estimates and considers the impact of falling migration on wider ONS statistics.

Read more on What’s driving the fall in net migration?