28 August 2007

Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007

The Statistics and Registration Service Act, which was introduced in the Commons on 21 November 2006 and in the Lords on 14 March 2007, concluded its passage through Parliament on 19 July 2007 and received Royal Assent on 26 July 2007. The Government intends to implement the Act, and have the reformed statistical system in place, by April 2008.

The Act creates a new independent Statistics Board, as a non-Ministerial department, with a statutory responsibility to promote and safeguard the quality and comprehensiveness of UK official statistics that serve the public good.

High quality statistics are vital for effective government, and are a key resource for business, academia and the wider community. In line with the wider Government agenda of delegating Ministerial power to credible, independent, institutions with a clear remit set by Government and Parliament, the primary goal of the reforms is to reinforce the independence, integrity and quality of statistics produced in government, helping to improve evidence-based policy making, contributing to better public services and long-term stability in the UK economy.

Sir Michael Scholar KCB has been selected as the first Chair of the Statistics Board, subject to appointment by the Queen. Sir Michael was nominated by the Government, following an open competition for the post, and was subject to a pre-appointment hearing before the Treasury Select Committee. His selection for the post was endorsed in the House of Commons on 25 July 2007.

Update of Legislative process:

The Parliament website maps progress through the House of Commons and House of Lords, with links to the Hansard record for each of the key-stage debates.

Related links:

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