Watchdog to launch inquiry into official statistics

The UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) will review the accuracy of offical data provided by schools, hospitals and other public sector bodies, The Independent reports.

The UKSA Chair, Sir Andrew Dilnot, yesterday told the House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee:

'Once you have got targets for any organisation there is always the risk that the people who are responsible are subject to a temptation to manipulate them'.

The UKSA would be looking at 'situations where statistics are used to support compliance with performance targets and the general question about standards of statistical data', he added.

Sir Andrew's comments come against the background of ongoing concerns over the accuracy of crime statistics. Last week the UKSA removed the 'National Statistics' designation from police recorded crime data over fears that they were not reliable.