The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has launched a public consultation where you can tell them how you use census data and your requirements for topic data from Census 2031.
The census informs decisions about public services and helps them to understand the economy, public health and inequality. What do you need from a census in an age of rapid societal and technological change?
Key information:
- You can respond in English or in Welsh by 4 February 2026.
- You can complete the consultation on behalf of an organisation or as an individual.
- There is a Word document version of the consultation questions available for you to download and use for collaboration with colleagues before submitting your final response online (scroll to the bottom of the consultation website).
- Their consultation document contains more detail on what they’re looking for in your response.
- For more information, you can watch a recent webinar.
GSS ethnicity harmonisation consultation
You also have until 4 February 2026 to complete the Government Statistical Service (GSS) consultation asking for views on additional tick-box response options for ethnicity data. You can respond in English or in Welsh.
Responses will feed into a new harmonised standard for ethnicity data collection, which will be recommended for use by collectors of ethnicity data across the GSS, including teams working on the next censuses in the UK.
The GSS also has an informational webinar available for you to watch.
We encourage users of ethnicity data to complete both consultations.