FOI Reference: FOI/2022/3938
You asked
Please provide the total number of ICD-10 Code Deaths, specifically W85 deaths (caused by contact with electricity transmission lines) in 2021? If possible, could each death have a region/location as to where the death took place, please?
We believe there were only 13 deaths, but it would be great to have this confirmed, as well as their location.
We said
Thank you for your enquiry.
Unfortunately, we do not yet have the finalised number of deaths registered to this ICD code in 2021, at this time. This is because data for 2021 is provisional and deaths from external causes are significantly impacted by registration delays; therefore, providing a figure at this time could be an underestimate.
The amount of time it takes to hold an inquest for deaths from external causes can result in a delay between the date of death and the date of death registration, this is referred to as a registration delay. More information about the impact of registration delays on mortality statistics is available here.
Finalised death registration data for 2021 will be released in July 2022 in our Deaths Registered Series and NOMIS. You will then be able to obtain the data you require.
As such, this information is considered exempt under Section 22(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, whereby information is exempt from release if there is a view to publish the information in the future. Furthermore, as a central government department and producer of official statistics, we need to have the freedom to be able to determine our own publication timetables. This is to allow us to deal with the necessary preparation, administration, and context of publications. It would be unreasonable to consider disclosure when to do so would undermine our functions.
This exemption is subject to a public interest test. We recognise the desirability of information being freely available and this is considered by ONS when publication schedules are set in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics. The need for timely data must be balanced against the practicalities of applying statistical skill and judgement to produce the high quality, assured data needed to inform decision-making. If this balance is incorrectly applied, then we run the risk of decisions being based on inaccurate data which is arguably not in the public interest. This will have an impact on public trust in official statistics in a time when accuracy of official statistics is more important to the public than ever before.
It may be useful for you to know that numbers of deaths by underlying cause, sex, five-year age group and area of usual residence (local authority; region; MSOA) for England and Wales, 2013 to 2020, are available via the NOMIS webservice.
Please follow these instructions to use the NOMIS webservice:
- Select the geography - (England and Wales, regional or by local authority)
- Select Age - All ages or 5-year age bands
- Select Gender - Total or Male/Female
- Select rates - All deaths, rates or percentage of population for example.
- Select cause of death (ICD10 code search is available)
- Select format (Excel or CSV for example)
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact health.data@ons.gov.uk.