An annual survey producing key housing data could move to biennial publication in an effort to cut its £4m costs of production.

The English Housing Survey is seen as a ‘bible’ by analysts and all types of housing bodies, providing information on households, a breakdown of tenures, stock conditions and energy efficiency.

It is the English Housing Survey which, for example, told us last year that the private rented sector had overtaken by social rented sector in terms of size.

It costs so much because the work involves face to face interviews with over 13,000 households and physical inspections of homes.

The Department of Communities and Local Government has published a consultation paper suggesting that the survey be published every two years. It is also seeking opinions on other ways of cutting the costs.

Housing minister Brandon Lewis said: “The English Housing Survey currently costs taxpayers £4m a year to run, which is an excessive amount of money.”

The consultation, which closes on February 17, can be found here