SUF priorities

The Statistics User Forum has agreed that the priorities it will pursue in improving practices and changing policy are:

Statistics access teams:

Government departments should create 'statistics access teams' to help users, particularly by packaging data in convenient formats, and moving to simple "Click-Use" licensing. Government should help non-experts find and use data that has been published, and be alert to how the movement of offices and staff risk leading to a loss of "institutional memory" and to problems in maintaining contacts.

UK-wide data:

The main government departments should address the need for UK-wide consistent statistics, starting with an assessment of the need for UK consistent data in each subject area.

Geographic coding:

Identify an approach to geographic coding which overcomes data confidentiality concerns, and code all records accordingly.  Accelerate development of Neighbourhood Statistics in consultation with users.

Income statistics:

Improve statistics on income, in particular but not restricted to on low pay, and take whatever steps are necessary to provide richer statistical information from existing Inland Revenue sources.

Confidentiality/disclosure:

Ensure sensible restrictions that protect confidentiality, but that allow information to be used appropriately.  This includes sharing data across different agencies. Updating of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947 should be considered in this context