Following an extensive programme of research and a three-month public consultation, the National Statistician made a recommendation to the Board of the UK Statistics Authority on the census and future provision of population statistics in England and Wales.

The recommendation to have a predominantly online census in 2021, supplemented by the further use of administrative and survey data, was accepted and endorsed by the UK Statistics Authority, and commended to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. On 18 July, the Government agreed that there should be an online census in 2021, with support for those unable to complete their return online.

Find out more about the consultation and the work of the Beyond 2011 team.