DCMS and the Digital Sector Economic Estimates: Monthly GVA (to March 2023)
Experimental Official Statistics estimating the contribution of DCMS Sectors, and the Digital Sector, to the UK economy, measured by GVA (gross value added).
Documents
Details
Headline findings
DCMS Sectors (excluding Tourism)
GVA of reported DCMS Sectors (excluding Tourism) in March 2023 was 7% above February 2020 levels, which was the most recent month prior to pandemic measures being introduced in the UK. By comparison, GVA for the whole UK economy was 0.1% higher than in February 2020.
Digital and Telecoms sectors
GVA by the Digital Sector in March 2023 was 12% above February 2020 levels, which was the most recent month prior to pandemic measures being introduced in the UK. By comparison, GVA for the whole UK economy was 0.1% higher than in February 2020.
Released
17 May 2023
About this release
The DCMS Sector total reported here includes Civil Society, Creative Industries, Cultural Sector, Gambling and Sport. Tourism is not included as the data is not yet available (see note in data table). Figures for the Digital Sector and Telecoms are presented separately as responsibility for these policy areas now sits with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Monthly estimates
These Economic Estimates are Official Statistics used to provide an estimate of the economic contribution of DCMS Sectors, and of the Digital Sector, in terms of gross value added (GVA), for the period January 2019 to March 2023. This current release contains new figures for January to March 2023.
Estimates are in chained volume measures (i.e. have been adjusted for inflation), at 2019 prices, and are seasonally adjusted. These latest monthly estimates should only be used to illustrate general trends, not used as definitive figures.
You can use these estimates to:
- Look at relative indicative changes in GVA over time for DCMS sectors and subsectors (and, respectively, for the Digital Sector and sub-sectors)
You should not use these estimates to:
- Quantify GVA for a specific month
- Measure absolute change in GVA over time
- Determine findings for sectors that are defined using more detailed industrial classes (due to the data sources only being available at broader industry levels)
Data sources and Technical information
The findings are calculated based on published ONS data sources including the Index of Services and Index of Production.
These data sources provide an estimate of the monthly change in GVA for all UK industries. However, the data is only available for broader industry groups, whereas DCMS sectors, and the Digital Sector, are respectively defined at a more detailed industrial level. For example, GVA for ‘Cultural education’ (a sub-sector of the Cultural Sector within the DCMS Sectors) is estimated based on the trend for all education. Sectors such as ‘Cultural education’ may have been affected differently by COVID-19 compared to education in general. These estimates are also based on the composition of the economy in 2019. Overall, this means the accuracy of monthly GVA for DCMS sectors is likely to be lower for months in 2020 and 2021.
The technical guidance contains further information about data sources, methodology, and the validation and accuracy of these estimates. The latest version of this guidance was published in November 2022. The only significant change since then is that figures for the Digital Sector and Telecoms are now presented separately as responsibility for these policy areas now sits with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Content
These statistics cover the contributions of the following sectors to the UK economy.
DCMS Sectors:
- Civil Society
- Creative Industries
- Cultural Sector
- Gambling
- Sport
Users should note that there is overlap between DCMS sector definitions and that several Cultural Sector industries are simultaneously Creative Industries.
Timely estimates of Tourism GVA are not available at present, due to a lack of suitable data.
Digital Sector:
- Digital Sector
- Telecoms
Users should note that there is overlap between these two sectors’ definitions. Specifically: the Telecoms sector sits wholly within the Digital Sector.
Feedback and consultation
We aim to continuously improve the quality of estimates and better meet user needs. We welcome feedback on this release. Feedback should be sent via email to evidence@dcms.gov.uk.
The UK Statistics Authority
This release is published in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics (2018) produced by the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA). The UKSA has the overall objective of promoting and safeguarding the production and publication of official statistics that serve the public good. It monitors and reports on all official statistics, and promotes good practice in this area.
Pre-release access
The accompanying pre-release access document lists ministers and officials who have received privileged early access to this release. In line with best practice, the list has been kept to a minimum and those given access for briefing purposes had a maximum of 24 hours.
Contact
Responsible statistician: Rachel Moyce
For any queries or feedback, please contact evidence@dcms.gov.uk.