Projecting the future population of the United Kingdom at a time of uncertainty

An image of people walking down a street

Projecting the possible future size and composition of the UK population is of importance for national level decision-making and policy. In this blog James Robards explains some of the considerations and challenges in developing national population projections, particularly at a point in time when the demographic impacts arising from the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic continue to unfold.

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ONS Year in Review: The Relentless Challenges of 2021  

A picture of an egg timer with 2021 mingling into 2022

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. 

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Working to improve housing, planning and homelessness statistics across the UK

House building in Bristol

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.

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 Bridging the data gap for ethnic group and religion

A group of young people in London

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.

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Sustainable Development Goals: More UK data and clearer insight to inform the global strategy

A graphic showing all of the ONS sustainable development goals

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.

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