It is widely acknowledged that the UK is becoming more ethnically diverse, and the 2011 Census is expected to verify this by showing an increase in the ethnic minority population from 7.9% to 15%. As we await the results of the census, which will be released from September 2012, it is useful to assess the merits of other data sources that highlight changes to the UK’s ethnic and cultural landscape.
Most recently, Experian, the credit agency, carried out an analysis of Britain's ethnic minorities for the Observer Newspaper. The analysis used Experian’s Mosaic database, which matches more than 50 million surnames to postcodes, to paint a picture of Britain’s second and third generation migrant communities. By tracking surnames Experian deduced that migrant communities, driven by economic empowerment, are moving away from inner London and relocating to the suburbs.
Experian’s analysis is food for thought and supports the findings of research that has already been conducted in this area by Leeds University and Tim Butler, professor of Geography at Kings College London. However, Professor Richard Webber, who developed the Mosaic database, concedes in this article that surnames are merely “useful indicators of people's origins”. This calls into question the validity of the research methodology employed by Experian, as well subsequent assertions made in relation to Britain’s ethnic landscape.
Unlike Experian’s methodology, the 2011 Census asks individuals to define their own ethnic group either by using one of the prescribed categories, or by filling in the write-in box, immediately boosting the accuracy of the data by replacing “useful indicators” with hard facts.
With its focus on data supplied by the individual and the inclusion of a number statuses including ethnicity, the census is unlike any other data source that currently exists. Not only does the census provide an in-depth analysis of the state of the nation required by central and local government, businesses, charities and research organisations; it remains the true yardstick for assessing the scale and scope of Britain’s ethnic diversity.
Bieneosa Ebite, Linstock Associate
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12 April 2011
Silent Knight?
After a year long build up the Independent Banking Commission has finally published its interim report. The headline recommendation was that UK banks' retail operations should be ring-fenced from their investment banking arms, although it did not go as far as some expected and suggest the two should operate as separate entities.
But what will be the real impact of the reforms? Opinion is widespread although the general consensus, and the reaction of the markets, is that the Banks are breathing a sigh of relief . And that the reforms will be broadly welcomed across the political spectrum, which is key if the proposals are to be implemented quickly by the Chancellor once the final report is delivered to him in September.
There was an unusually timid response from the British Bankers' Association that said it would "take time to carefully consider the costs involved and the economic impact on the wider economy" of the report. The quote was not even issued in the name of the outspoken Chief Executive Angela Knight. Ms Knight is rarely one to hold back in defending the banking industry. The BBA may well be holding their fire and reserving their arguments for behind closed doors. Or it could be that they are extremely pleased the Commission has not gone further in calling for the break up of the sector.
The loudest cries of foul came from Lloyds Banking Group who seemed to have been singled out in the report for the biggest criticisms. The Chairman and new Chief Executive both expressed their ‘surprise’ at some of the recommendations aimed at the Group. No doubt stronger words were used in the Boardroom as the report was digested!
It is always better to influence policy at an early stage of development. So Lloyds might well be questioning if they built a strong enough case in their favour and did they present this evidence to the Commission (and outside it) in the best way. Perhaps, alternatively, the Commission simply needed to provide some meat for their political masters to feast upon. The Group will no doubt be considering these issues ahead of the Commission’s final report in September.
Tony Cox, Linstock Consultant
But what will be the real impact of the reforms? Opinion is widespread although the general consensus, and the reaction of the markets, is that the Banks are breathing a sigh of relief . And that the reforms will be broadly welcomed across the political spectrum, which is key if the proposals are to be implemented quickly by the Chancellor once the final report is delivered to him in September.
There was an unusually timid response from the British Bankers' Association that said it would "take time to carefully consider the costs involved and the economic impact on the wider economy" of the report. The quote was not even issued in the name of the outspoken Chief Executive Angela Knight. Ms Knight is rarely one to hold back in defending the banking industry. The BBA may well be holding their fire and reserving their arguments for behind closed doors. Or it could be that they are extremely pleased the Commission has not gone further in calling for the break up of the sector.
The loudest cries of foul came from Lloyds Banking Group who seemed to have been singled out in the report for the biggest criticisms. The Chairman and new Chief Executive both expressed their ‘surprise’ at some of the recommendations aimed at the Group. No doubt stronger words were used in the Boardroom as the report was digested!
It is always better to influence policy at an early stage of development. So Lloyds might well be questioning if they built a strong enough case in their favour and did they present this evidence to the Commission (and outside it) in the best way. Perhaps, alternatively, the Commission simply needed to provide some meat for their political masters to feast upon. The Group will no doubt be considering these issues ahead of the Commission’s final report in September.
Tony Cox, Linstock Consultant
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