This dataset provides 2011 Census estimates that classify usual residents in England and Wales by national identity and by religion. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

This information is used to measure community cohesion by providing a clearer understanding of how people identify themselves within the UK. It also provides public bodies with a better understanding of the communities that they serve, and, combined with other statistical analysis, highlights areas of deprivation among different cultural groups. This information is used to plan services and target resources, and allows public authorities to assess and tackle discrimination.

In order to protect against disclosure of personal information from the 2011 Census, there has been swapping of records in the Census database between different geographic areas, and so some counts will be affected. In the main, the greatest effects will be at the lowest geographies, since the record swapping is targeted towards those households with unusual characteristics in small areas.

More details on the ONS Census disclosure control strategy may be found on the http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/2011/census-data/2011-census-prospectus/new-developments-for-2011-census-results/statistical-disclosure-control/index.html[Statistical Disclosure Control] page on the ONS web site.