Consultation regarding the redraw of Data Zones

14. Overview

• 2011 Data Zones have been built up from 2011 Census Output Areas, which in turn have been built up from 2011 Postcodes;
• Data Zones are aligned to Local Authority boundaries;
• Where the population of a Data Zone has grown or shrunk significantly, it has been split into two or more areas, or merged with a neighbouring Data Zone;
• Where a muti-extent Data Zone has been created in the best-fit aggregation of Census Output Areas, the Data Zone has been modified to correct for this (unless it is due to the inclusion of islands);
• Where possible, merges have occurred within Intermediate Zones' boundaries;

The reasons for taking this approach are:

• Exact 2011 Population Census results are available on the 2011 Data Zones
• The methodology is consistent with that used when Data Zones were first created;
• Data Zones will once again have roughly standard populations;
• Aggregations of Data Zones can be used to produce a comparable area over time;
• Minimal changes will be made to Intermediate Zones.