The UK Statistics Authority wrote to Lord Bailey of Paddington AM about Housing statistics

14 June 2024 · Sir Robert Chote, Chair, UK Statistics Authority

The letter, dated 14 June 2024, replies to correspondence of 17 May 2024. The UK Statistics Authority published it as Letter from Sir Robert Chote to Lord Bailey of Paddington AM: Housing statistics. Below are 3 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the UK Statistics Authority wrote

“The reference to ‘within the last year’ may have been intended to reflect the latest year of statistics that were available, but this would not be clear from the statement alone.”

“In line with the principles of intelligent transparency, when making numerical claims, public figures should be clear what they are referring to and consider how a reasonable person would interpret the claim.”

“To help the public understand statistical claims made during the General Election debates, the OSR has recently published a series of explainer articles including on housing supply and affordability statistics.”

From Sir Robert Chote, Chair, UK Statistics Authority, letter of 14 June 2024. Read the full letter.

Correspondence

• The letter it answered: Lord Bailey of Paddington AM to Sir Ian Diamond – housing statistics (17 May 2024)

More on Lord Bailey of Paddington.

Receipt