Population estimates are widely used and highly valued. They inform important government decisions and policies at national and local levels, and provide the denominator for key statistics, including economic indicators such as GDP per head. Here, Mary Gregory explains how and why the ONS is working to give users clearer, better information about the population in their area.
Read more on Keeping pace with population change
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.
Read more on Firmer footing: our latest update on our Surveys and Economic Statistics Improvement Plan
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.
Read more on Producing the best estimates of changing household wealth
Permanent Secretary, Darren Tierney, discusses how the ONS will continue to strengthen the quality, timeliness and resilience of its statistics, with its new three-year Business Plan.
Read more on Securing the future of ONS statistics: What we’ve achieved and what comes next
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.
Read more on Supermarket Sweep: Measuring inflation with billion of bleeps
