In February 2020 the Scottish Government confirmed Scotland’s next census will advise respondents to answer the question in line with their ‘lived sex’.
However, in England and Wales, which is conducting a census in 2021, debate continues about the form of guidance that will accompany the sex question. This has presented opportunities for several myths to spread about the design and purpose of censuses in the UK.
This updated guide (previously published in January 2020) addresses these confusions head-on and provides seven helpful explainers that cover the use of census data, the alignment of the census with the 2010 Equality Act, international practice, guidance provided in previous censuses and what is meant by self-identification.
Kevin Guyan 