The fundamental principles and the impact of using statistics for administrative purposes

Abstract

Since the Fundamental Principles were adopted, what have we actually done and what have we learnt? This paper suggests the principles have had an impact and discusses how the use of statistics for administrative purposes can impinge on those principles. Administrative use of statistics is discussed in the context of four examples: using population statistics for resource allocation; school performance league tables; the linking of benefit payments to consumer price indices; and statistics for the convergence criteria. The temptation for political interference in statistics rises in such cases and examples are given of how the Fundamental Principles can be safeguarded.