Written question asked by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord McKenzie of Luton (Labour) on Thursday, 23 March 2006.

Government Resources: Allocation

Question: To what extent government resources are allocated in accordance with (a) census statistics; (b) electoral registration; and (c) other locally related statistics.

Answer: The Government aim to allocate resources fairly and efficiently, directed according to need. Statistical data, particularly the Census and other national statistics, play an important role in informing allocative decisions at all levels of government. In addition to the Census, government departments draw on a wide range of other locally disaggregated statistics to inform resource and policy decisions. Given that the electoral register only provides basic data for a subset of the adult population, with registration rates varying between localities, it is not generally used to inform resource allocations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4689; 680 c82WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Census Distribution Electoral register Public expenditure Statistics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk