Dear Alastair
Thank you for your letter requesting an alternative release time for the publication of non-domestic rates revaluation statistics in Scotland. As detailed in our Alternative Release Times policy, you have explained the rationale for wishing to publish the official statistics on the same day as the Scottish Government Budget (13th January) but soon after it has taken place, to avoid pre-empting any budget announcements that Ministers may be making.
We are supportive of this decision based on your reasons set out. It also aligns with our Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis specifically under Standard 1: Equality of Access: “If unpublished statistics, data or wider analysis are referred to publicly, they should be published as soon as possible, ideally on the same day.” It is important that these statistics are made both accessible and transparent to the public particularly if they are used in any statements made during the budget announcements.
We welcome the publication of the final revaluation report in April/May once the final figures become available and note it will be preannounced and published at 9.30am as standard.
Yours sincerely
Ed Humpherson
Director General for OSR