The UK Statistics Authority wrote to Simon Clarke MP about comments on Universal Credit

2 February 2018 · Sir David Norgrove, UK Statistics Authority

The letter, dated 2 February 2018, replies to correspondence of 18 December 2017. The UK Statistics Authority published it as Response to comments on Universal Credit. Below are 4 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the UK Statistics Authority wrote

“We were also asked to consider the accuracy of a video published by the Labour Party Twitter account that said “millions of people are facing poverty, debt and eviction as a result of Universal Credit” and that people have to wait “six weeks before receiving their first payment”.”

“We approached the Labour Party press office for clarification on the statistical sources of the statements.”

“We conclude that the statements should have been clear about their source, drawn from published analyses and less categorical.”

“It is clearly important that statements by a political party should be fully supported by the statistics and sources on which they rely.”

From Sir David Norgrove, UK Statistics Authority, letter of 2 February 2018. Read the full letter.

Correspondence

• The letter it answered: Comments on Universal Credit (18 December 2017)

Related key figures

• People on Universal Credit (Great Britain)

More on Simon Clarke.

Receipt