This dataset provides 2011 estimates that classify usual residents in England and Wales by religion. The classification used follows the tick box options on the questionnaire and also whether this question was answered, as this was a voluntary question. It does not include any religion that has been provided as a write-in response. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

The statistics help in developing and monitoring policy aimed at assessing the needs of population groups whose experiences of public services and social interaction, for example employment and education, may be different to those in other groups. This information is used to plan services and target resources, and allows public authorities to assess and tackle discrimination and social exclusion associated with religion. This information is also used by the NHS and local authorities to plan services for people from a wide range of religious backgrounds and to monitor their access to services, for example to inform policies on hospital chaplains or public literature and broadcasting.

Similar estimates from the 2001 Census were provided in table UV15.

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.