22 November 2006
The Statistics and Registration Service Bill
The Statistics and Registration Service Bill was introduced in the Commons on 21 November 2006 and published on 22 November 2006.
High quality statistics are vital for effective government, and are a key resource for business, academia and the wider community. Following a full public consultation, this Bill is intended to reinforce the independence, integrity and quality of statistics produced in government. This will help improve evidence-based policy making, contributing to better public services and long-term stability in the UK economy.
The Bill will create a new independent Board, outside of Ministerial control, which will be constituted by a majority of external, non-executive, members. The Board will have a statutory responsibility to promote and safeguard the quality and comprehensiveness of official statistics. The Board's responsibilities will extend across the UK, covering England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Bill will also establish proper employment status and rights for registration officers (as local authority employees) in England and Wales.
Media links:
Statistics and Registration Service Bill and Explanatory Notes Bill 8 (Parliament website)
PDF file of Independence for statistics: A Regulatory Impact Assessment ISBN 978-1-85432-210-6 (417KB)
PDF file of Delegated Powers memo (201KB)
Related links:
Independence for Statistics: A consultation document
Legislative Consent Memorandum (Scottish Parliament)