Is there a question on income?

Up to, and including, 2001 there has been no question on income in the full British Census. Consultation with users identified a widespread requirement for information on this topic and a strong case was made to include this question in the 2001 Census but on the basis that:

• it was felt that the question was not acceptable to some members of the public, and
• it was felt that the question may not be accurately answered

the government decided not to include this question. Research is being carried out by the Government Statistical Service on whether needs could be met by alternative sources of data (Dixie and Dorling, 2002).

Also see http://qb.soc.surrey.ac.uk/surveys/cen/incensus.pdf. [Note: This link opens in a new window]