Data source for number of rooms and bedrooms in the 2021 Census

This consultation gives you the opportunity to respond to the Estimating the number of rooms and bedrooms in the 2021 Census: An alternative approach using Valuation Office Agency data work.

This followed a commitment made in the 2021 Census topic consultation, where it was decided it was not appropriate to continue to ask two questions designed to meet a single information need. The current view is to explore the use of administrative data from Valuation Office Agency to produce estimates for number of rooms and number of bedrooms.

Based on the initial analysis, it is ONS’ view that with some further development, the Valuation Office Agency data is of sufficient quality to replace one or both of the questions on number of rooms and bedrooms in the 2021 Census.

We would like to receive your feedback on our view through this consultation, which contains questions about the impact of using Valuation Office Agency data on number of rooms and bedrooms as an alternative to 2021 Census data.