Implementing the Atkinson Review David Caplan

A national accounts perspective Background What’s actually happened Issues Key learning points

Background Output measures in national accounts from 1998 Additional indicators added By 2003 - becoming an area of concern Atkinson review launched to find a way forward

National accounts changes related to the review Health - Blue Book 2004 Revisions to current price data Further changes in June 2005

The issues - process Peer review of methods But insufficiently robust Need to review methods and data

The issues data availability Atkinson report identifies issues Difficulty where available data not fit for purpose Need to define minimum standards Beyond “better”

The issues - incorporating data Need to link on to existing time series Need techniques for interpolation and extrapolation

The issues - national accountant v others Different perspectives What is education output Compounded by political dimension Need to recognise different perspectives

The issues - current price data Data derived from administrative system Weaknesses in classification To COFOG Transfers and final consumption Working to improve data

The issues - public perception of integrity Highly political environment Criticism from all sides Need carefully managed and transparent process Pre-announcement

Some conclusions Resource the work properly Be vigilant - sources decay Need links with policy and delivery departments Understand the different perspectives Define process - and follow it.