The Office for Statistics Regulation wrote to Dr James Noyes about SMF report on gambling tax reform

22 September 2025 · Ed Humpherson, Office for Statistics Regulation

The letter is dated 22 September 2025. The Office for Statistics Regulation published it as Ed Humpherson to Dr James Noyes: SMF report on gambling tax reform. Below are 4 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the Office for Statistics Regulation wrote

“As you are aware, we were asked to look at the Social Market Foundation’s (SMF) report on The Duty to Differentiate, specifically the language used when referring to analysis taken from the Gambling-related harms: evidence review published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).”

“This correction is clear and accessible in line with best practice, and we consider the matter closed.”

“We are pleased that prior to our meeting, you published a correction to the report that explains the SMF report mistakenly referred to “due to” rather than “associated with” when discussing gambling related harm and that the drafting was not intended to imply a causal relationship.”

“We welcome your continued commitment to the clear and transparent communication of statistics and data.”

From Ed Humpherson, Office for Statistics Regulation, letter of 22 September 2025. Read the full letter.

Receipt