Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Acknowledged
Prepare regular public OSR reports detailing data gaps across the United Kingdom.
Recommendation
We recommend that the OSR support this activity by preparing regular and public reports on data gaps in the UK. (Paragraph 64) Transforming the UK’s Evidence Base 41
Government response summary AI-generated
The OSR accepts the recommendation to prepare regular and public reports on data gaps but states that this would expand its remit and require appropriate funding. It is beginning to develop proposals for a monitoring and reporting approach for intelligent transparency across departments, which will be considered alongside funding discussions with HM Treasury.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
43. OSR accepts the Committee’s recommendation to prepare regular and public reports on data gaps in the UK in principle. 44. Identifying and helping statisticians focus on addressing data gaps is an important aspect of our regulatory work. Our domain (topic area) model of regulation allows us to have strong relationships with statistics producers and organisations who publicly advocate for improved statistics. Our annual report, State of the Statistical System, which was last published on 17 July 2024,21 is our key publication bringing together the insight provided by our regulatory work. It also shares our views on the performance of the statistical system and the challenges facing it. In line with the Committee’s recommendation, we will have an enhanced focus on data gaps in future editions of this report. 45. Our recently published report, “Data Sharing and Linkage for the Public Good: Follow-Up Report” highlights the importance of enabling greater data sharing and linkage, in a secure way, for research and statistics.22 This is also relevant to the government’s ability to respond to data gaps. 46. Additionally, OSR is refreshing the Code of Practice for Statistics to ensure that it remains relevant. We are strengthening the emphasis on involving users in decisions about what statistics are required – whether to start, stop or change official statistics. This includes being clear on where and why user needs can and cannot be met, such as addressing information gaps. 47. Noting recommendation 7, in our aforementioned “Data Sharing and Linkage for the Public Good” report, we call for consistent and sustainable funding streams for data sharing, access and linkage initiatives, and specifically for a centralised government funding structure to support data 21 https://osr.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/publication/state-of-the-statistical-system-2024/ 22 https://osr.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/publication/data-sharing-and-linkage-for-the- public-good- follow-up-report/pages/1/ collaboration projects across government.23 This structure should prioritise a system-level, access-based approach to investment, as well as continue and expand initiatives such as the Shared Outcomes Fund.
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