Social Policy Analysis
Social policy analysis (SPA) examines contemporary social and population issues to provide the background for City Hall to decide policy. The evidence and data cover topics such as economic fairness, poverty, health, social integration and equalities.
The GLA’s SPA team studies London’s population to see how different groups are affected by social and socio-economic policies. This analysis is used to help City Hall understand the needs of Londoners and to make policy decisions that support a strong economy and communities.
The team provides advice and analyses secondary data, on the areas outlined above. The team also provides support when other GLA teams are commissioning external research and evaluations.
Social policy information mostly comes from official statistics such as the Census of population, other large government surveys and government administrative data such as benefit receipts, though the team also uses data from other sources and, from time to time, the GLA’s own surveys, such as the Survey of Londoners.
The Social Evidence Base
The team has established a social evidence base, which describes and analyses London in human and social terms, drawing on existing data and evidence to understand the social state of London. This is hosted on the London Datastore.
It is the first port of call for understanding London’s population in more detail, from social integration to equality and diversity issues, including economic fairness.
The Social Evidence and Data User Group (SEDUG)
The GLA’s SPA team organises a meeting three times a year, which brings together analysts from London local authorities to discuss social evidence and data pertaining to London. If you would like to know more or are interested in joining the group, please email [email protected]
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