Topical Questions

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Communities and Local Government – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 20 January 2009.

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Photo of John Healey John Healey Minister of State (Department of Communities and Local Government) (Local Government) 2:30, 20 January 2009

Concerns about the accuracy of population and migration data go beyond houses in multiple occupation. That is why the national statistician is leading a detailed programme of work with other Departments and local government, which have a considerable amount of administrative data that can be used to help improve the statistics. That work is important in preparing for the next census, so that we do not have the same flaws as in the last one. It is important also for the next spending review period, so that the Government have the best available population data on which to base policy and funding decisions for the future.