The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics and collects statistics about the economy, society and population at all levels – including the census every ten years. It consults with a range of different stakeholders on priorities for data collection, including industry groups, charities and local governments. Its statistics and publication content and timings must be politically neutral, so it acts as a crucial source for comprehensive, unbiased data about the UK population. This matters for economic planning, national and local public policy, and the ability to hold government to account. The ONS became an executive department in 2007 via the Statistics and Registration Service Act (SRSA). It reports to the UK Statistics Authority. The UK Statistics Authority is required to promote and safeguard the production and publication of official statistics. It is staffed by civil servants. It is independent of ministers, and no minister is allowed to delay, suppress or amend publications.
