1. Implementing the Atkinson Review
David Caplan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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.