Cross Government Income Administrative Dataset 2019/20 - Northern Ireland
The Cross Government Income Administrative Dataset (CGIAD) 2019/20 is a household-level linked dataset containing de-identified income data from social security benefits, child benefits, housing benefits, earnings, tax credits and savings in Northern Ireland (NI). It is predominantly an annual demographic snapshot (in this instance, reflecting the position in March/April 2020), with some annualised information for the 2019/20 financial year.
The Cross Government Income Administrative Dataset contains approximately 729,000 households. Based on comparisons with both the Family Resources Survey and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) Household Projections, this indicates that it covers around 98% of NI households.
It was developed by the Department for Communities Northern Ireland and the NISRA Research Support Unit.
The dataset has the potential to offer insights on a range of themes such as poverty, deprivation, and employability. It can also enable research to provide an evidence base for key government policies, including the the Department for Communities' key objectives in relation to poverty.
Component datasets and linkage
The Cross Government Income Administrative Dataset takes the form of one pre-linked table. Four data owners shared cross-sectional information for the dataset for the financial year 2019/20: the Department for Communities Northern Ireland, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. This includes social security benefits data administered by DWP on behalf of the Department for Communities, and earnings and employment information from HMRC.
| Timeframe | 2019/20 |
|---|---|
| Update Frequency | TBC |
| Population | Approximately 98% of private households in Northern Ireland |
| Coverage | Northern Ireland |
| Size | 729,199 records |
Core documentation
Examples of research questions
Research questions include:
- What are the drivers to poverty in Northern Ireland?
- What is the geographical distribution of poverty and income deprivation across Northern Ireland?
- What is the relationship between employment status (e.g. employment vs not in employment) and household income levels?
- What is the impact of child benefits on household income for families with varying numbers of dependents?
- What is the relationship between household composition and poverty levels?
Accessing the data
1. Apply to become an accredited researcher under the Digital Economy Act 2017.
- Complete the application form through the ONS Research Accreditation Service. Contact srs.customer.support@ons.gov.uk with any questions.
2. Apply to access the Cross Government Income Administrative Dataset 2019/20
- Submit a completed themed dataset initial research proposal form to rsu@nisra.gov.uk.
The form asks researchers to summarise the main aim and objectives of the proposed project as well as the methodological approach that they are intending to use. Researchers should also include details of the data required (including a variable list with justification) and cohort required. Researchers are also required to detail any public engagement activities planned as part of their project. RSU, in consultation with the data owners, will determine the feasibility of the project prior to the completion of a full application by the researcher(s). Ethical approval will also be required for each project, either through the research’s teams university ethics committee or via the National Statistician’s Ethics Advisory Committee. RSU will support the research team throughout the application process.
- Submit an application to the Research Accreditation Service: Apply for an accredited research project.
3. Access the data securely via the NISRA Secure Environment.
- NISRA Secure Environment in Colby House – complete a Research Support Unit Secure Environment Researcher Booking Request Form and submit it to rsu@nisra.gov.uk.
Further information on how to apply for approval is available on the NISRA Research Support Unit page or by contacting rsu@nisra.gov.uk.
Information about policy research priorities
There are a number of research themes the Cross Government Income Administrative Dataset could address that are relevant to policy development and monitoring in Northern Ireland. In particular, this includes research aligned with the Department for Communities key outcomes:
- Delivering an anti-poverty strategy supported by evidence-based proposals.
- Collaborating with other government departments and delivering with partners on cross-cutting issues, including homelessness, place and deprivation-based approaches, and employability to deliver a sustainable and effective set of anti-poverty interventions.
- Enhancing citizen focused services and interventions through an ongoing process of customer insight, data analytics, research, and analysis.
Find out more
More information is available from the Cross Government Income Administrative Dataset 2019/20 webpage on the NISRA website.
