Emin Migration Review

Intelligence Network May 09: Population and Migration Policy makers and statisticians from around the region gathered at Nottingham Science Park for the latest Intelligence Network event on Population and Migration statistics. Expert speakers provided an overview of the range of evidence available around regional data in this area, as well as a look at the progress being made nationally on creating more usable statistics. Anne Green from the University of Warwick presented her recent resource guide on local migration statistics, written for the Local Government Association. Anne discussed the need for a variety of sources to build up an accurate picture of regional migration. Local surveys are invaluable in adding detail to the consistent overview provided by the official national data, although care needs to be taken in aggregating and comparing local data as different methodologies are often used. The problems of defining different types of mobility and migration present challenges in compiling data. Here, the contribution of ‘soft’ qualitative intelligence from local stakeholders should not be underestimated; it can provide colour and context sometimes missing from the raw numbers. Jen Beaumont, presented the ongoing work of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Regional Statisticians, using some of the data sources presented by Anne to build up a picture of migration in the East Midlands. Using National Insurance Number data, Jen was able to flag up the contrasting patterns of EU and non-EU migration within the region; Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Leicester have had the largest amount of in-migration between 2004 and 2008, Leicester being the leading area for non-EU migration with the others being dominated by movements from within the EU. Jen’s presentation highlighted data from ONS, National Insurance registrations, the NHS and school pupil numbers. Suzanne Dunsmith from the ONS Centre for Demography guided delegates through the Improving Migration and Population Statistics (IMPS) work programme. The programme aims to provide a better quality of information, more timely indicators and greater coherence in reporting statistics across government departments. Suzanne provided a useful insight into the complexities of data sharing within government and improvements being made to existing data sources. There was also an intriguing peek at longer term issues such as the future of the Census, beyond 2011, and the e-Borders programme. Useful links: Presentations from the event A resource guide on local migration statistics Regional Statistics page on IEM ONS IMPS programme E-borders IEM blog posts on migration IEM latest news CLG: effect of the downturn on migration flows