This dataset provides 2011 estimates that classify occupied household spaces in England and Wales by the types of central heating present. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

The central heating classifications used in this dataset follow the single tick box options on the questionnaire with an additional category for multiple tick options. Although similar to the estimates provided from the 2001 Census in table UV60, central heating was grouped with other household amenities and did not provide this level of detail.

This information will support work on housing deprivation where access to central heating is used as a measure of deprivation. It will also contribute to work being undertaken by both central and local government; to meet the thermal comfort criteria of the decent homes standard; related work on assessing housing fitness; development of policies to improve housing quality; and to direct resources to the areas of greatest need.

In order to protect against disclosure of personal information from the 2011 Census, there has been swapping of records in the Census database between different geographic areas, and so some counts will be affected. In the main, the greatest effects will be at the lowest geographies, since the record swapping is targeted towards those households with unusual characteristics in small areas.

More details on the ONS Census disclosure control strategy may be found on the Statistical Disclosure Control page on the ONS web site.