National and local data on international migration does not give accurate, comparative numbers on the volume and make up of foreign nationals working and/or living in local authority areas. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is looking at ways of improving data, but this is expected to take several years. There is, as yet, no clarity about how long migrant workers from the accession states are likely to remain in the UK, or how many may bring over family members.
However, by pulling together available national and local sources, and drawing on local intelligence from different agencies, a profile of local new arrivals and a better idea of numbers can be built up. Change can be rapid, so information should be updated regularly.
Improving current population estimates
Migration is the hardest part of population change to measure at both a national and local level. Existing records show an increase in migration for work, but this is difficult to measure accurately at a local level, particularly given free movement of labour within the European Union. As net migration is now the main driver of population increase in the United Kingdom the ONS acknowledges the importance of improving estimates.
The ONS set up an Improving Migration and Population Statistics project (IMPS). As part of this, an Inter Departmental Task Force on Migration Statistics reported in December 2006. A number of improvements will be carried out over the next five years.
Further information