Improved data the key to managing migration - London Councils 

Responding to the government's plans to improve the way it manages migration - including the way it collects population data - London Councils' Chairman Councillor Merrick Cockell said:

"We are delighted that the government has finally heeded the calls from London Councils and others to remedy the flawed methods it uses to collect population data. We have consistently argued that the Office for National Statistics' population projections are completely misleading, and their inaccuracies have been hugely damaging to the capital's public services.

"In the modern world we are surrounded by data, and the government must do its utmost to tap into everything it can to provide a full picture of migration in the UK, or our public services will continue to suffer. London's local authorities are keen to work with them to develop robust population data - I urge them to work closely with us for the sake of all those who rely on our services."