Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Fifth Report - Transforming the UK’s Evidence Base
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
HC 197
Published 24 May 2024
Recommendations
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
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.
16
Acknowledged
Require Office for Statistics Regulation to publish report on UK-wide data adequacy by April 2025.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Office for Statistics Regulation review and publish a report on the adequacy of UK-wide comparable data, by themes, before April 2025. (Paragraph 68) Evidence in policymaking
Government Response Summary
The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) states its response has focused on developing a framework for reporting data gaps across the UK and on improving intelligent transparency. It agrees harmonisation is desirable but does not explicitly commit to publishing a report on data adequacy by themes before April 2025.
Conclusions (2)
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 48
We support the Office for National Statistics in its ambition to deliver high-quality and timely population statistics. It is right to be considering whether new data sources might offer opportunities to improve the UK’s evidence base, and it is also right to be engaging closely with users of that evidence …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation and confirms it supports the principle that statistics are for the public good, as enshrined in existing legislation. No specific new actions are committed to regarding new data sources or user engagement for the census.
19
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 78
We also identified a mismatch between the ambitious vision of the analysis function, and the very limited funding made available to deliver that vision.
Government Response Summary
The ONS accepts the principle of the conclusion regarding funding for the Analysis Function (AF), recognizing its importance. The AF Central Team will work with HM Treasury to assess the best option for future funding, but no specific funding commitment or timeline is provided.