Overview

This bill mandates local authorities in the UK to share data on the nationality of their residents with the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This aims to improve the accuracy and completeness of national statistics on foreign nationals.

Description

The Foreign Nationals (Statistics) Bill amends the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. It introduces a new section (47A) requiring local authorities to disclose information about the nationality of residents to the ONS. This duty applies even if existing laws or regulations would otherwise prohibit such disclosure. The regulations will specify exactly what information must be shared. The bill clarifies that this data transfer is solely to aid the ONS in fulfilling its statutory functions. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The cost will likely be associated with implementing the data transfer system and any necessary changes to local authority record-keeping procedures. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Will be required to collect and transfer data on resident nationalities to the ONS, potentially requiring additional resources and administrative changes.
• Office for National Statistics (ONS): Will receive improved data on foreign national populations, leading to more accurate national statistics.
• Residents: Their nationality data will be shared, raising potential privacy concerns although these are to be safeguarded in regulations, though the exact mechanisms are not detailed here.

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