Official statistics produced by government agencies are relevant to current and prospective user requirements, in government and in the wider community.
Official statistics are cornerstones of good government and public confidence in good government. Our community needs information about the society we live in, the state of our economy and environment, and our position in the world. International agencies use statistics to measure our social and economic position in relation to other countries, and international markets use statistics to monitor financial stability. To meet the test of practical utility, statistics must be relevant and in a form that facilitates easy and correct use.
Key elements of this principle
- Official statistics meet the needs of government, business and the community, within available resources.
- Official statistics have clear objectives and identify the information needs that they are attempting to address.
- Development and implementation of statistical policy and programmes is based on effective consultation and meets intended primary users’ expectations.
- Statistical work programmes are periodically reviewed to ensure their relevance. Ongoing statistics are regularly assessed to justify their continuation.
The Advisory Committee on Official Statistics (ACOS) represents the interests of the wider statistical community, including users, producers, and suppliers of statistical data, to ensure that official statistics are developed to meet the needs of users while taking into account the cost implications to government, producers and providers. ACOS aims to improve quality and relevance by commenting on the health of Tier 1 statistics.
Back to OSS principles for Tier 1 statistics producers.