Summary
A government review found that the UK's official statistics agency, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has significant issues that affect the quality of its economic data. The review pointed out that these problems stem from how the agency makes decisions and manages its resources, leading to unreliable data that impacts government policy and financial decisions. The ONS acknowledges these issues and plans to make changes to improve its data reliability.
Key Facts
- A review was conducted by the UK government on the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
- The review identified major issues with how the ONS plans and makes decisions.
- The ONS provides key data for government decisions on benefits, housing, migration, and crime.
- The Bank of England uses ONS data to make decisions on interest rates, which affect loans and mortgages.
- Sir Robert Devereux led the review and attributed problems to poor choices by ONS leaders.
- There is a suggestion to split the National Statistician role into two positions for better management.
- The ONS plans to improve data quality by making management changes and cutting some programs to save money.
- Tight budgets and difficulties in staff recruitment and retention were noted as ongoing challenges.
