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Written question asked by Baroness Noakes (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 March 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 March 2021. It was answered by Lord True (Conservative) on Wednesday, 31 March 2021 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Census: Judicial Review

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what costs were incurred by (1) the UK Statistics Authority, and (2) the Cabinet Office, in the judicial review proceedings against the UK Statistics Authority brought by Fair Play for Women in relation to the 2021 census.

Answer

In the proceedings brought by Fair Play for Women in relation to the sex question guidance in Census 2021 in England and Wales, the claimant’s solicitors named the Minister for the Cabinet Office as an interested party. The Cabinet Office considered this appropriate as the department responsible for the census legislation.

The legal costs have not yet been fully determined for the above proceedings.

The Order made by the court, in the case referenced above specifically related to the census legislation. The court made a distinction between a person’s sex as recognised by law and the gender with which a person self-identifies. HM Government will note this more broadly, and reflect on whether further guidance for government departments and public bodies is required.

HM Government also recognises the importance of accurate data collection.

HM Government has monitored progress of Census 2021 through regular engagement with the Cabinet Office, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and HM Treasury. The Government is confident that Census 2021 will be successful and provide a wealth of data reflecting the society we live in today.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14334
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Census Legal costs Judicial review Cabinet Office UK Statistics Authority
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk