There cannot be major changes to the census topics because it is important that comparisons can be made over time. However, the census has to remain relevant to society. With minor exceptions, the 1991 Census included all the topics contained in the 1981 Census and added three new questions asked of individuals: ethnic group, limiting long-term illness and term-time address of students, whilst weekly hours worked was reintroduced.; it also included a new question on central heating in the household amenities section. Full details can be found in Dale and Marsh, 1993.
The 2001 Census form introduced five questions that had not been asked in the 1991 Census. They included:
In addition, there were major revisions to the questions on:
More information can be found on the Office for National Statistics website. [Note: This link opens in a new window]
Also take a look at Have the number of questions asked grown over time? to find out in more detail, what new topics were introduced in the 1991 Census.
Source: New questions for the 2001 Census, Dixie and Dorling 2002