The Office for Statistics Regulation wrote to Alastair McAlpine about Alternative Release Time for non-domestic rates revaluation statistics

13 January 2026 · Ed Humpherson, Office for Statistics Regulation

The letter is dated 13 January 2026. The Office for Statistics Regulation published it as Ed Humpherson to Alastair McAlpine: Alternative Release Time for non-domestic rates revaluation statistics. Below are 4 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the Office for Statistics Regulation wrote

“As detailed in our Alternative Release Times policy, you have explained the rationale for wishing to publish the official statistics on the same day as the Scottish Government Budget (13 th January) but soon after it has taken place, to avoid pre-empting any budget announcements that Ministers may be making.”

“It also aligns with our Standards for the Public Use of Statistics, Data and Wider Analysis specifically under Standard 1: Equality of Access: “If unpublished statistics, data or wider analysis are referred to publicly, they should be published as soon as possible, ideally on the same day.”

“It is important that these statistics are made both accessible and transparent to the public particularly if they are used in any statements made during the budget announcements.”

“We welcome the publication of the final revaluation report in April/May once the final figures become available and note it will be preannounced and published at 9.30am as standard.”

From Ed Humpherson, Office for Statistics Regulation, letter of 13 January 2026. Read the full letter.

Receipt