SARs Frequently Asked Questions

What are the SARs?

The SARs are a family of datasets drawn from the 1991 and 2001 UK Censuses. The SARs contain a separate record for each individual, but identifying information has been removed to protect confidentiality. The SARs datasets are similar to data from a survey, albeit with a much larger sample size thus permitting analysis of small sub-groups and small geographic levels.

How do I register to use the data?

Academic users can register through Census.ac.uk. Non-academic users need to download a registration document.

How much does the SARs cost?

The data are free to Academic Users. The 1991 SARs and 2001 End User Licence SARs are available to not-for profit organistions free of charge and to the business sector for £1000 per file.

 

Can I use the SARs for teaching?

We are keen to actively promote the use of the SARs for teaching. To support this, teaching and learning materials have been produced.

How do I get regular updates about the SARs?

If you do not receive the newsletter and would like to be added to our mailing list please contact us at sars-helpdesk@manchester.ac.uk. There is also a SARs email list for discussion and updates.

 

How do the 2001 SARs differ from the 1991 SARs?

Statistics are most useful when they are comparable across space and time and the SARs were designed with this in mind. However, there are some difference between the 2001 and 1991 SARs. Some of these differences reflect changes in society leading to different questions in the census, others reflect changes in confidentiality disclosure control. For a detailed discussion on the difference between the SARs files please consult the user guide

How do I use the SARs?

The SARs can be explored online or downloaded either in their entirety or as subsets and analysed with your own statistics package by registered users.

 

What topics do the SARs cover?

The SARs cover the full range of Census topics including, housing, education, health, transport, employment and ethnicity.
 

What other 1991/2001 Census products are there and how do I access them?

Census results are also available in aggregate (tabular) form for small areas, which are also suited to mapping. Travel to work and migration data are also available. Academic users can seek additional details from Census.ac.uk. Non academic users should contact the Office for National Statistics www.statistics.gov.uk.

Queries should be directed to sars-helpdesk@manchester.ac.uk.

 

This page was last updated 29 September 2009