2001 Individual Controlled Access Microdata Sample

The Individual Controlled Access Microdata Sample (CAMS) is a more detailed version of the 2001 Individual SAR file. This data can be accessed by arrangement with the Office for National Statistics at their Titchfield, London and Newport Offices. We anticipate that this facility will be extended to other NSI sites in the UK in the future.

The CAMS file contains geography at Local Authority level, full occupational detail (unit SOC) and industry and more detail on many other variables. For example, the full coding on country of birth is available, which is about 330 categories. The 2004 Index of Deprivation scores have been added to SuperOutput Areas for England and Wales (and deciles for Scotland). In total the file contains about 350 variables and provides very considerable detail. The CAMS has not had any perturbation applied to it.

The variable FNDEPCH has an unexplained error. This error does not, as yet, have a correction. Although we cannot suggest a fix for results based on the variable, we believe that the variable underestimates the number of families with non-dependent children. We recommend that users do not use this variable until it has been corrected. We would like to apologise for any analytical problems arising from previous use of the variable.

Summary note on corrected problems with IMD and urban/rural (March 2010).

Access

Arrangements for accessing and using the CAMS file are managed by ONS. To access the CAMS you need to complete an application form and return it to ONS. More information on the application process is available on the ONS web site.