FOI REF: FOI-2023-1357
You asked
You created a detailed ethnic group by religion table (CT0872) for a bespoke request. Could you create an updated version for the 2021 census.
We said
Thank you for your freedom of information request.
The table you refer to, CT0872, is an ad hoc dataset (commissioned table). Ad hoc tables are additional tables that have not been included in ONS's standard publications and are created in response to customer requests. The person or organisation requesting an ad hoc table is charged for the service and, once the tables are created, they are published for all to use under Open Government Licence.
The 2021 commissioned table service began on 3 April 2023. Please note, we do currently have a waiting list on production. Please see the page linked above to download a copy of the order form which details the scale of charges for this service.
On receipt of your completed order form, you will be added to the waiting list. Please note that any table commissioned will have to pass our strict statistical disclosure control process to ensure there is no risk of disclosure of personal information in the table. More information on this process is available here:
Design for Census 2021 - Office for National Statistics ons.gov.uk
Alternatively, you may be able to access the data you require by using the create a custom dataset tool. This includes the functionality to combine two or more variables in a single dataset, such as ethnic group by religion, and allows you to adjust the geography and population included in the dataset to suit your needs, subject to statistical disclosure control.
If the data available does not meet your requirements - the ethnic groups or religions available may not be as detailed as you require - you may be able to commission a table to your own specifications.
This table Ethnic group by religion, produced using the create a custom dataset tool, provides 20 ethnic group categories and 10 religion categories.
If you would like to discuss our commissioned tables service or require assistance with our custom tables output, our Census Customer Services team are happy to assist via the following email address: Census.customerservices@ons.gov.uk.