B. Ensuring up to date data sources
B. ONS should ensure data sources used in the estimates remain up to date. It should be clear with users how it will achieve this, for example by identifying points when it will review the data sources, such as use of historical IPS data and Home Office visa data.
Actions taken and commitments made by ONS to meet the recommendation
ONS is still developing the methods and implementing data sources at this stage. ONS told us that it has a culture of continuous improvement, and it regularly reviews data sources and communicates its plans with users. It is also developing a policy for the ongoing review of data sources, which it plans to publish once the statistics are more stable.
OSR’s evaluation of evidence
Although ONS has a culture of continuous improvement, examples of which can be seen in recent publications, it is important that ONS communicates with users clearly on how this culture is applied to LTIM estimates to provide reassurance to users. Given that ONS is still working on implementing planned data sources, we would not expect it to share plans for ongoing review at this stage. However, ONS should continue to ensure that its data sources remain up to date and publish plans for the ongoing review of data sources as soon as possible. This will contribute to users having the best possible estimates and give them confidence that this will continue to be the case.
Actions remaining
ONS should publish information on how it will ensure that its estimates remain up to date and how it will review data sources going forward.
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