MPs hear evidence on London population and 2011 census

• Video and Audio: London's Population and the 2011 Census evidence session
• London Select Committee

Witnesses

• Glen Watson, Census Director, Office for National Statistics
• Guy Goodwin, Director of Population, Health and Regional Analysis, Office for National Statistics
• Barry Quirk, Chief Executive, London Borough of Lewisham

The inquiry is investigating the Government's policy on the preparation and use of regional population statistics for London and its arrangements for accurate assessment of population mobility and turnover, with particular reference to the arrangements for the 2011 Census.

In particular, the Committee will examine:

• the lessons learned in London from the 2001 Census exercise
• preparations for the 2011 census in London, with particular reference to approaches to assessment issues unique to London: counting of migrants and transients, underdeclaration on census returns, and correlations between characteristics of underrepresentation in census and electoral registration returns
• attitudes to participation in the census in London, with particular reference to engaging participation by minority communities

The planned use of census and other population data in:

• population projections for London
• planning for provision of services delivered through the Government Office for London and London boroughs
• funding allocations for service provision made to central Government bodies, the Greater London Authority and London boroughs

The Committee may also examine other areas of interest that are raised during the course of its inquiry.

A further evidence session will take place at 3.30pm on Wednesday 24 February.

Witness

• Tessa Jowell MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Minister for London