Economy | National Statistical

Firmer footing: our latest update on our Surveys and Economic Statistics Improvement Plan

James Benford
July 15, 2026

Categories: Economy, Office for National Statistics, ONS

Today we have published our third quarterly update on the improvement work underway in the ONS for surveys and economic statistics. The update reflects refined priorities, reset milestones and clarity about where activity must wait until constraints are resolved. James Benford explains that, while there is still much to do, putting quality ahead of quantity, and credibility ahead of volume, remains a guiding principle that is driving an ongoing recovery in economic statistics.

Producing the best estimates of changing household wealth

Becca Briggs
July 7, 2026

Categories: Data, Economy, Office for National Statistics, ONS, Surveys

Wealth in Great Britain is one of the ONS’s key economic publications, biennially reporting on the level of wealth and how it is held, including the value of homes, how much is owed in debt and the value of pensions. It is derived from results from the Wealth and Assets Survey. Recently the ONS has updated how it estimates the value of pension wealth. Becca Briggs explains how and why the numbers have been updated.

Making progress on improving UK economic statistics

James Benford
April 15, 2026

Categories: Economy, Labour Market, ONS, Surveys

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published its second progress update on its Economic Statistics Plan (ESP) and Survey Improvement and Enhancement Plan (SIEP). The two plans were launched in June 2025 to improve the quality and long-term sustainability of the UK’s core economic statistics. James Benford reflects on a period of continuing tangible improvements, the challenges we have encountered and how we are responding across the breadth of work.

Supermarket Sweep: Measuring inflation with billion of bleeps

Statistically Speaking
March 25, 2026

Categories: Data, Economy, Office for National Statistics, ONS

The latest episode of the Statistically Speaking podcast reveals how the ONS is now measuring UK consumer price inflation with data gathered from supermarket checkouts. Our guests explain why it’s a step change in the production of this vital economic indicator that broadens our understanding of the real cost of the living.

Separating fact from fiction: how the ‘industry’ of survey collection is far more than a BBC plot device

Tina Thomas
February 12, 2026

Categories: Office for National Statistics, ONS, Surveys

Tina Thomas, Deputy Director for Social Survey Field Collection, explains how a compelling BBC plot device does not reflect how ONS surveys operate in real life, and reminds us of how our interviewers are at the heart of what we do.