The ONS began 2021 charting the early impact of the first phase of the vaccination programme. We end it with boosters and Omicron. As they review the statistical year once again, Liz McKeown and Darren Morgan reflect on how our colleagues and partners have continued to deliver innovative high-quality statistics and analysis on a scale never seen before.
Read more on ONS Year in Review: The Relentless Challenges of 2021
High quality housing, planning and homelessness statistics are key areas of focus for governments across the four nations of the UK and their citizens. There is a need for a greater understanding of housing affordability, levels of homelessness and housing stock. Debra Prestwood explains the continuing collaboration the ONS is leading across the Government Statistical Service (GSS) to improve statistics in these areas.
Read more on Working to improve housing, planning and homelessness statistics across the UK
Our population is ever-changing and having an up-to-date picture of the ethnic and religious diversity of England and Wales is crucial for policy makers and providers of public services. Previously, the official estimates of the population by ethnic group and religion were from the 2011 Census. Ahead of Census 2021 results, Sarah Coates explains how the ONS has responded to the on-going need for data on these areas by producing new, experimental statistics.
Read more on Bridging the data gap for ethnic group and religion
As the UK’s national statistical office, the ONS has been reporting the data required by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Silvia Manclossi leads our SDG team and reflects on what’s been achieved since the 2030 Agenda was agreed in 2015, how the SDGs can help understand current challenges and how everyone can help.
Read more on Sustainable Development Goals: More UK data and clearer insight to inform the global strategy
Quicker and more detailed local statistics showing changes to the economy, environment and society are a major priority for the ONS. We are leading a radical cross-government initiative to transform the evidence base available for decision-makers and researchers. Here Sam Beckett explains how new and richer data will help to reveal a clear and changing picture of the UK’s local economies, populations and environments.
Read more on Street lighting: Better statistics for local areas