Population
Population research can be supported by a diverse set of administrative data. The most obvious of these are those that cover birth and mortality. The three main organisations that hold this data in the UK are the Office for National Statistics, which is collected by the Identity and Passport Service (England and Wales), The General Registrar Office for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
Population estimation is also sometimes based on datasets that do not obviously have a link to population research. For example, non-means tested benefits such as the Child Benefit administrative dataset held by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are extremely useful for small area population estimation.
Other administrative datasets that can be useful for population research include the General Practice registration dataset, held within the NHS. It can used to calculate migration within the UK and is also used to distribute estimates of international migration to NHS Board areas in Scotland.
Population administrative data summary
| Dataset | Organisation name | Key variables | Information available on the ADLS website? |
| Vital Events | Office for National Statistics | Births, still births, deaths | Yes. Please click here for detailed information |
| Child Benefit dataset | Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs | Child age and sex, household composition, geography | Yes. Please click here for detailed information |
| GP Patient Register dataset | Department of Health | Patient and geographic details, date and type of registration, NHS number | Yes. Please click here for detailed information |
| Vital Events | National Records of Scotland | Births, still births, deaths | Yes. Please click here for detailed information |
| Vital Events | Department of Finance and Personnel (Northern Ireland) | Births, still births, deaths | Yes. Please click here for detailed information |
The ADLS will add new information and datasets to the Population theme section over time. Please keep checking back and you may also wish to receive notification by registering with us for these information updates.
