We have joined Sense about Science, the Royal Economic Society and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in writing to Simon Hoare MP, Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC).
Our joint letter sets out shared concerns about the need to maintain and strengthen the independence of the UK’s statistical system. It highlights the importance of ensuring that official statistics are produced free from political influence and that public trust in data is protected. The letter is in response to the PACAC’s ongoing inquiry into the work of the UK Statistics Authority.
An independent statistical system is recognised internationally as a core principle of good governance, with the UN Principles of Official Statistics stating that official data should serve all users equally. The letter urges PACAC to consider ways of improving accountability without undermining this independence.
Dr Sarah Cumbers, RSS CEO, said:
'An independent statistical system is vital to the health of our democracy. Statistics that are produced with impartiality and free from undue influence enable decision-makers, searchers and the public to engage with evidence on an equal footing.
'By joining with partner organisations, we are underlining the importance of protecting the integrity of the UK’s statistics now and for the future.’
Tracey Brown, Director of Sense about Science, said:
‘Impartial statistics are an essential tool for people to advocate for their interests and those of their communities – it's with good data that we can best describe the world, and how we want it to be.
'Parliament has shown itself adept at holding statutory bodies accountable without destroying their politic independence - something the public values. We are sure that PACAC can achieve this with national statistics.’
Read the full letter here.