Dataset: Family Resources Survey (Adult, Child, Individual, Household, Family (Benefit Unit), Household Food Security)
Field: Weighted Sum of Household Dataset - Whole Population
Description
Weighted sum of Household Dataset - whole population is the estimated total number of individuals, families (benefit units) and households in the population in the financial year, where the underlying sample of individuals, families (benefit units) and households has been weighted or 'grossed up' to represent groups of individuals, families (benefit units) and households with certain characteristics in the whole population. 'Grossing-up' is the term given to the process of applying factors to sample data so that they give estimates for the overall population. For more information see 'Grossing' in the FRS Background Note and Methodology.
Quality Statement
A review of the grossing regime used was conducted to follow the move to use of 2011 Census results in the production of mid-year population estimates by ONS. The new grossing regime was implemented in the 2012 to 2013 publication.
The system used to calculate grossing factors for the FRS divides the sample into different groups. The groups are designed to reflect differences in response rates among different types of household. The FRS stratified sample structure is designed to minimise differential non-response in the achieved sample. Grossing is then designed to account for residual differential non-response.
The population estimates for these groups, obtained from official data sources, provide control variables. The grossing factors are then calculated in a way which ensures the FRS produces population estimates that are as close as possible to the control variables.
Further information can be found in the FRS Background Note and Methodology here.