2001 SARs

The 2001 Census saw the release of 5 SARs files that differ in size, detail and ease of accessibility as outlined below. More detailed information on each of these files can be accessed through the menu on the left or through the respective links on this page. A 2001 SAR file comparison table can be found here

1. The Individual Licensed SAR (2001 I-SAR) is a 3% sample of individuals for all countries of the UK with approximately 1.84 million records. The data are available for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. There is information for each individual on the main demographic, health, socio-economic and household variables.

2. The Individual Controlled Access Microdata Sample (I-CAMS) provides a more detailed version of the Individual Licensed SAR and can be accessed, following approval of a research proposal, in a safe setting at ONS.

3. A Special Licence Household SAR (2001 H-SAR) has been released for England and Wales only. The 1 % file allows linkage between individuals in the same family and in the same household. Access can be obtained through an ONS Special Licence from the UK Data Archive. Users must agree to a higher standard of data stewardship to protect the confidentiality of the data.

4. The Household Controlled Access Microdata Sample (Household CAMS) provides full detail on all variables in each file and includes data for Scotland and Northern Ireland. The file can be accessed in a safe setting at ONS and the application procedure is the same as for the Individual CAMS.

5. The Small Area Microdata (2001 SAM) is a 5% sample of individuals for all countries of the UK, with 2.96 million cases. Local Authority is the lowest level of geography for England and Wales, Council Areas for Scotland and Parliamentary Constituencies for Northern Ireland. This file is available, together with the 2001 I-SAR and both 1991 files under an End User License.