The lost people of Kensington and Chelsea16 July 2003Doubts over the accuracy of the 2001 census population figures grew today after Professor David Rhind, the incoming chairman of the Statistics Commission, said he was considering calling for a new population survey to meet the objections of local authorities. A report in the Financial Times on 14 July said that the 2001 census had been dogged by complaints about inaccuracy, particularly in its recording of inner-city populations. Kensington and Chelsea Council has grave concerns about the accuracy of the population figures derived from the recent census, which reduced the Borough's population by 30,000 at a stroke. Local authorities depend on the population being measured accurately. If headcounts are underestimated Councils can lose out on major grants tied to population. Council Leader Merrick Cockell said, "I am very interested to read the report in the Financial Times. The Council remains convinced that the figures reported in the 2001 census are wrong and we are contacting Professor Rhind to express our worries about the figures and the effect that they have had on the Council's finances." For further information contact Press and Public Relations.
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