HMRC policy on revisions to official statistics
Published 5 July 2021
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-official-statistics-policies/hmrc-policy-on-revisions-to-official-statistics
1. Introduction
The United Kingdom Statistics Authority (UKSA) Code of Practice for Official Statistics, published in February 2018, requires all producers to publish transparent guidance on the policy for revisions under the Trustworthiness pillar.
HMRC aims to avoid the need for unscheduled revisions to publications unless they are absolutely necessary and put systems and processes in place to minimise the number of revisions.
2. Types of revisions
2.1 Scheduled revisions
Planned revisions take place on receipt of subsequent information that is expected. For example, when figures are originally published as ‘provisional’ and then updated to ‘final’.
Administrative systems and some data collections can receive updated information following their original publication. This means that some information relating to a period already published is subsequently inputted. These revisions are scheduled revisions and any outputs that are subject to scheduled revisions will include an explanation of how these are dealt with.
2.2 Unscheduled corrections
Receipt of subsequent information
This type of revision refers to the receipt of data following publication, when no further publication was originally planned.
This type of revision can arise from events such as where information given by data suppliers missed the original publication deadline or when a data supplier gives notification that they have submitted incorrect information. In these cases, a judgement will normally be made by the Head of Profession for Statistics as to whether the change is significant enough to publish a ‘revised’ statistical release. As these revisions are not regular occurrences, they are considered to be unscheduled.
Errors in statistical systems and processes
Occasionally, errors will occur in our statistical processes. Precautions are taken to minimise these errors and we continually review our processes and procedures to minimise this risk. These are considered to be unscheduled revisions and as above, a decision on whether to republish the figures is made on a case by case basis by the Head of Profession for Statistics.
Changes in source systems or statistical methodology
Where major changes to source administrative systems are pre-planned and for changes in statistical methods we will, where possible, consult with users on the changes and treat these as a change of methodology.
3. Handling of revisions
Our policy in handling revisions is to be transparent with users about:
- the need for revisions
- how and when to expect revisions as part of our standard processes
- the processes by which other revisions will be communicated and published
To meet these commitments, all of our statistical publications will:
- explain the specific revisions policy for that where a revision is scheduled
- ensure that the need for major revisions for any series are pre-announced on the website
- detail how users will be informed of the need for revisions
- give explanations as to the nature and extent of revisions that were necessary
4. Annual Report to the National Statistician
In addition, the annual report from the Head of Profession to the National Statistician will provide information on how many publications required amendments as a result of unscheduled revisions and explain the reasons for these.