The first national survey of British Jewry for 17 years is to be conducted later this year by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research.

The project is being funded by JPR, the Pears Foundation and leading charities including Nightingale, Norwood, UJIA and Jewish Care.

JPR's 1995 survey shed light in unprecedented detail on the social, religious and political views of British Jewry as well as on charity-giving, communal involvement and attitudes to Israel.

Together with analysis of last year's Census, the new survey will provide probably the most comprehensive database on British Jewry ever compiled.

JPR executive director Jonathan Boyd said: "We are seeking to produce data in a collaborative and cost-effective way that will add an important dimension to the policy deliberations of all Jewish charities."