Welcome to National Statistics Online

National Statistics stand for relevance, quality, integrity and freedom from political interference. They provide an up-to-date, comprehensive and meaningful description of the UK´s economy and society. National Statistics covers government data produced to the high professional principles and standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice.

Press statement by the National Statistician – Len Cook

Background
The creation of National Statistics was announced in the Government White Paper Building Trust in Statistics (October 1999). The Framework Document accompanied the launch of National Statistics in June 2000. It articulates the Government´s commitment to providing a ´statistical service that is open and responsive to society´s needs and the public agenda: better and more reliable official statistics that command public confidence.´

In general, official statistics will be National Statistics where the operational control of collection and processing is managed by statisticians and where those processes comply with the Code of Practice. The following are also likely to be included –

• Management and financial information where the process of
  compilation has undergone statistical validation to ensure the
  principles of the Code are met.
• Analyses and compilations where statisticians compile the most appropriate measures from those available.
• Statistical compendia where the component series have been
  previously published and the objectivity of the selected content is assured by the relevant Head of Profession for Statistics.
• Research studies prepared in compliance with the Code.
• Published policy advice and analysis that relies almost exclusively on statistical information.