Crisis at the Core: UK's ONS Faces Deep-Rooted Challenges Revealed in Scathing Review

A damning review of the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed deep seated issues that threaten its reliability and credibility. This independent investigation, led by Sir Robert Devereux, was prompted by repeated problems with the data that influence critical government decisions affecting millions. The review identifies inadequacies in the ONS’s planning and decision-making processes as the main source of these shortcomings.

The ONS is pivotal in providing the data that informs vital policy decisions—including increases in state benefits, housing plans, and assessments of migration and crime. Its data also guide the Bank of England in determining interest rates, which impact mortgages, credit cards, and loans. Sir Robert’s investigation highlighted that many of the ONS’s problems stem from leadership choices made over the years, with a shift in focus toward innovative projects detracting from the essential task of delivering reliable economic data. Furthermore, a reluctance among senior officials to accept and act on critical feedback has hampered improvement efforts.

The ONS has faced severe criticism from its regulator for its defensiveness in handling reviews, especially concerning its analysis of gender identity. There have also been suspicious revisions in migration figures, prompting questions about the accuracy of its population data, and job market data has consistently come under fire from the Bank of England.

In the midst of these troubles, National Statistician Sir Ian Diamond resigned due to health issues, further complicating the ONS’s leadership crisis. The agency grapples with tight budgets and challenges in data collection, leading to high turnover among staff and difficulties in recruitment. Sir Robert recommended restructuring the National Statistician’s role by splitting it into two separate positions for more effective management and technical guidance.

Acting National Statistician Emma Rourke acknowledged the review’s findings and outlined plans for improvement, which will involve redirecting funds from less critical projects to enhance the quality of core economic data. Despite these efforts, the ONS will continue to operate under financial constraints, with the recent spending review providing only limited funds to prepare for the 2031 census, leaving them struggling to keep pace with rising costs.