In November 2011 the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published indicative population estimates based on a revised method for estimating long term immigration.

This has resulted in the population estimate for Cambridgeshire for mid 2010 being revised down by some 15000, mainly due to the reduction in the population of Cambridge City. Can this be true? It seems that it is the method that is disputed.

Officers met with ONS in Jan to discuss our concerns. This can affect our funding at the County but more significantly has a huge impact on Cambridge City finances.

I have written a joint letter, with the Leader of Cambridge City Council, to ministers to see if this can be corrected.