Independence for statistics : tenth report of session 2005-06, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

Public confidence in official statistics is at a low level and to improve the situation, the Government is proposing to replace the Office for National Statistics with an independent statistics office, which will have the status of a non-ministerial department but with an independent Board.

This report examines the proposal under the headings: framework for national statistics; governance of the independent statistics office; establishing a non-ministerial department; funding arrangements; parliamentary scrutiny; pre-release of statistics; devolution and UK-wide statistics; access to statistics.

Although the Committee welcomes the Government's recognition of the need for greater independence in the statistical system, it is concerned that the reforms do no go far enough.

In particular, the proposals are limited to ONS, whilst other Departments produce a significant amount of statistics, with ministers having too much control over what is designated a National Statistic.

In addition, they are worried about the executive responsibilities of the board might detract from its perceived independence. There are also concerns about the lack of detail about how the Department should operate as a non-ministerial department, its funding arrangements and the role of Parliament in scrutinising its operation.