1. Meeting Of The European Directors of Social Statistics
MODERNISATION OF HOUSEHOLD BUDGET AND TIME USE SURVEYS Item 4.7 of the agenda
Meeting Of The European Directors of Social Statistics
Luxembourg, 4-5 October 2016

2. Problem statement
High burden of HBS and TUS on respondents (diaries), low and/or decreasing response rates
Need for better coverage and comparability of data from TUS and HBS (Wiesbaden Memorandum, ICW)
In the IESS proposal Article 13 stipulates that feasibility and pilot studies will be instituted, inter alia, to contribute modernising the consumption and time use domains
Hence, it is necessary to improve ways of collecting these data, including by exploring and testing new tools and sources

3. Innovative tools
Use of modern IT and e-technologies for data collection, already implemented in some countries / to be implemented / to be improved, e.g.:
HBS: Collections and scanning of receipts from shops and supermarkets
TUS: Registering activities using IT-based or e-based tools, on computer, tablets or mobile phones
Share practices, e.g., implement scanning of receipts for HBS in more countries? Possible improvements (COICOP)?

4. Innovative sources Collection of data from new sources, e.g.:
TUS: geolocalisation
HBS: credit cards or shop client cards
Analysis of microdata needs ("noise" in big / private data)
Issues:
Access to private (administrative?) microdata
Selectivity, relevance, sustainability, breakdowns
How to convert these data into official statistics ? Multi-sources approach ? Modelling ?

5. Way forward (1) Actions already / to be launched by Eurostat:
Tools strand: Calls for proposal for TUS (2016 and 2017) in parallel to developments of the ICATUS classification, following previous discussions in WG TUS
Sources strand: Explorative study planned in 2017 on "Modernisation of the Household Budget Survey"
Further pilot projects could be launched in future

6. Way forward (2)
In order to steer reflexion and activities in this area it is proposed to set up two TFs, one for HBS and one for TUS (First meetings planned in April-May 2017), with a view to:
Define topics / sub-topics and information from TUS and HBS domains where new tools / sources could be used
Analyse existing experiences and ongoing national projects
Propose further investigations and tests
Provide recommendations to both working groups about the implementation and use of new tools / sources

7. The DSS are invited to Have a first discussion on this issue
Indicate their views on the way forward proposed
Indicate whether they would like their country participate in the TF(s); Member States that have already experience with (aspects of) modernisation of these 2 sources should take part in the TFs