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Dwellings in Cornwall - a new perspective

New housing data – what does it show us?
The Office for National Statistics is working on providing statistics on housing. They state – “At the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we are exploring the feasibility of using administrative data to produce statistics on a range of housing topics, which might remove the need for us to collect data through a census or surveys and provide new analysis on housing topics not previously available. This may help housing planners and policymakers to better understand the characteristics of the dwelling stock in their areas and therefore better meet the future housing needs of local residents.”
 
[For more information, readers should consult the article referred to in the sources section].

 
Comparing the results with the data from the census indicates a relatively small difference – some 4,700 fewer total dwellings or 2%. Some categories, particularly semi-detached and detached properties show a significant difference in numbers showing 82% and 92% of the census total respectively. What is important to note is that the VOA figures include 11,130 unknown accommodation types. Presumably these consist of properties included in the various categories in the census data.

[For full details of the admin data – referred to as VOA read the notes in the data sheet cover sheet].
 
Type
Cen 21
VOA
Difference
Detached
104480
96330
-8150
Semi-detached
71505
58395
-13110
Terraced (including end-terrace)
61760
71620
9860
Flat, maisonette or apartment
 
 
 
 In a purpose-built block of flats or tenement
24805
21365
-3440
Part of a converted or shared house
8705
9100
395
Part of another converted building
3930
2345
-1585
In a commercial building
3290
4555
1265
A caravan or other mobile or temporary structure
7055
4490
-2565
Unknown accommodation type
0
11130
11130
Total
285530
280860
-4670
 
Occupied dwellings
The most noticeable point is that the VOA total is at 231,815, 93% of the census figure of 250,405.
 
Type
Cen 21
VOA
Difference
Detached
93100
82890
-10210
Semi-detached
66435
52020
-14415
Terraced (including end-terrace)
54965
62105
7140
Flat, maisonette or apartment
 
 
 
 In a purpose-built block of flats or tenement
20840
17130
-3710
Part of a converted or shared house
6070
5355
-715
Part of another converted building
2790
1510
-1280
In a commercial building
2320
2685
365
A caravan or other mobile or temporary structure
3885
3070
-815
Unknown accommodation type
 
4710
4710
Total
250405
231815
-18590
 Unoccupied dwellings
There is a significant difference between the census and the VOA data when it comes to unoccupied properties. The census gives 35,125 dwellings, while the VOA figure at 49,045, is some 13,920 or 40% higher.
 
Type
Cen 21
VOA
Difference
Detached
11380
13440
2060
Semi-detached
5070
6375
1305
Terraced (including end-terrace)
6795
9515
2720
Flat, maisonette or apartment
 
 
 
 In a purpose-built block of flats or tenement
3965
4235
270
Part of a converted or shared house
2635
3745
1110
Part of another converted building
1140
835
-305
In a commercial building
970
1870
900
A caravan or other mobile or temporary structure
3170
1420
-1750
Unknown accommodation type
 
6420
6420
Total
35125
49045
13920
 
 
Conclusion
AS the ONS explain the alternative data is research data and it should be regarded as experimental. The analysis suggests that further work is required to improve the data.
 
Important notes and usage information
These are not official statistics and should not be used for policymaking or decision-making. They are published as feasibility research into a new method for producing census-like statistics on housing using administrative data. We advise caution when using the data. [Office for National Statistics].
 
Sources
Office for National Statistics/Nomis, Census 2021. TS044 Accommodation type.
 
Office for National Statistics, December 2022, Article.
 
Office for National Statistics, 27th June, 2023, Admin-based housing stock version 1.0 for England and Wales, 2021.
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