Office for National Statistics: Annual Report 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

Sarah Crawford – Projects Support Co-ordinator Census Division, Titchfield

Aim – To Provide World-Class Statistical And Registration Services

Presented to Parliament in pursuance of Section 5 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 28 July 2000

834 LONDON: THE STATIONERY OFFICE £13.75

>

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

Sarah Crawford – Projects Support Co-ordinator Census Division, Titchfield

Aim – To Provide World-Class Statistical And Registration Services

Presented to Parliament in pursuance of Section 5 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 28 July 2000

834 LONDON: THE STATIONERY OFFICE £13.75

>

Contents

Acknowledgements ONS and Celsius would like to thank the following for their help and participation in the photography used in this report: Sarah Crawford, Stephen Feldman, Kirsty Deacon, Vanessa Higgins, John Fennessy, Pauline Mason, Trevor Fenton, Jean Young, Carole Brown, Frances Sly, Daniel Howell, Claire Ricketts, Joseph Goldstein, Howard Meltzer, Gail Carlson, Pete Sitch, James Elder, Richard Morton, Matt Wood and James Clarke. © Crown copyright 2000 ISBN 0-10-556886-4

Office for National Statistics 1 Drummond Gate London SW1V 2QQ National Statistics Public Enquiry Service T:

020 7533 5888

E-mail:

info@statistics.gov.uk

We b :

www.statistics.gov.uk

Design: Photography:

celsius| James Clarke

5

Introduction

8

Background

14

Performance in 1999-2000

26

Looking Ahead

28

Annex A – Corporate Targets 1999-2000

31

Annex B – ONS Publishing April 1999 - March 2000

33

Resource Accounts 1999-2000

Contents

Acknowledgements ONS and Celsius would like to thank the following for their help and participation in the photography used in this report: Sarah Crawford, Stephen Feldman, Kirsty Deacon, Vanessa Higgins, John Fennessy, Pauline Mason, Trevor Fenton, Jean Young, Carole Brown, Frances Sly, Daniel Howell, Claire Ricketts, Joseph Goldstein, Howard Meltzer, Gail Carlson, Pete Sitch, James Elder, Richard Morton, Matt Wood and James Clarke. © Crown copyright 2000 ISBN 0-10-556886-4

Office for National Statistics 1 Drummond Gate London SW1V 2QQ National Statistics Public Enquiry Service T:

020 7533 5888

E-mail:

info@statistics.gov.uk

We b :

www.statistics.gov.uk

Design: Photography:

celsius| James Clarke

5

Introduction

8

Background

14

Performance in 1999-2000

26

Looking Ahead

28

Annex A – Corporate Targets 1999-2000

31

Annex B – ONS Publishing April 1999 - March 2000

33

Resource Accounts 1999-2000

“It’s quite something to say that you are involved in the census because it only happens every ten years.”

Stephen Feldman – Communications Editor Census Media Initiatives Unit in Communication, London

Introduction 1

ONS was set up on 1 April 1996 as an independent government department and an executive agency to provide both statistical and registration services.

The Director is accountable to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the operation and performance of the Office in accordance with the ONS Framework Document. The Director of ONS is also the Registrar General for England and Wales and the National Statistician.

The Office has about 3,000 staff operating in London, Newport (South Wales), Runcorn, Southport and Titchfield (Hampshire), plus around 1,000 interviewers working on social surveys nationwide.

+ Southport + Runcorn

+ Newport

+ London

+ Titchfield

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

5

>

“It’s quite something to say that you are involved in the census because it only happens every ten years.”

Stephen Feldman – Communications Editor Census Media Initiatives Unit in Communication, London

Introduction 1

ONS was set up on 1 April 1996 as an independent government department and an executive agency to provide both statistical and registration services.

The Director is accountable to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the operation and performance of the Office in accordance with the ONS Framework Document. The Director of ONS is also the Registrar General for England and Wales and the National Statistician.

The Office has about 3,000 staff operating in London, Newport (South Wales), Runcorn, Southport and Titchfield (Hampshire), plus around 1,000 interviewers working on social surveys nationwide.

+ Southport + Runcorn

+ Newport

+ London

+ Titchfield

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

5

>

>

“It’s great to see the results of the job. When new government policies come out you think, oh, I had a bit to do with that.”

Vanessa Higgins – Social Survey Officer Social Survey Division, London

>

“National Statistics provides the majority of data that government policies are based upon. Continued evaluation research by us then ensures that society can assess whether these policies are working.”

Kirsty Deacon – Social Survey Officer Methodology Unit in Social Survey Division , London

>

“It’s great to see the results of the job. When new government policies come out you think, oh, I had a bit to do with that.”

Vanessa Higgins – Social Survey Officer Social Survey Division, London

>

“National Statistics provides the majority of data that government policies are based upon. Continued evaluation research by us then ensures that society can assess whether these policies are working.”

Kirsty Deacon – Social Survey Officer Methodology Unit in Social Survey Division , London

Background 2

This report covers the fourth year of the Office’s existence.

3

In our first three years we made some progress towards providing high-quality statistical and registration services. The UK was the first country in the European Union (EU) to convert to the new system of national accounts (ESA 95) with a full set of back series. We made improvements to the presentation of both national and regional labour market statistics with better integration of data from different sources. We embarked on a package of improvements to

“I think it’s quite a privileged position to be in, to be able to look after all this. There’s some fascinating information in the Archives.”

John Fennessy – Archive Curator National Health Service Central Register, part of Registration Division, Southport

bring a range of business and economic statistics closer to customer needs and

>

expectations. We also launched a fundamental review of the civil registration service in England & Wales. We started to improve accessibility to ONS data and services with the launch of our website in April 1998.

4

However, we recognised that there was more to be done. Some customers felt we took too long to deliver new products and outputs, and while we had started to use new technology with the website, we were not exploiting the internet as quickly as some other national statistical offices, such as those in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

5

We also accepted that the decision to suspend and review the Average Earnings Index (AEI) in the autumn of 1998 had affected our credibility as an authoritative source of statistical data. By the beginning of 1999-2000 (as indicated in last year’s Annual Report) the Index had been reinstated. However, the review of the AEI which had then just been published had implications for wider methodological issues within the Office, and these would necessarily be a major aspect of our work throughout the year. We were able to bring the recommendations of the AEI review together with a number of issues of a similar nature arising from the report

“Knowing that you are contributing to the success of the organisation whilst helping the staff and Centre develop is the most satisfying part of the job.”

Pauline Mason – Operations Manager & Deputy Centre Manager Family Records Centre

of the Treasury Select Committee on ONS published in December 1998.

> 8

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

Background 2

This report covers the fourth year of the Office’s existence.

3

In our first three years we made some progress towards providing high-quality statistical and registration services. The UK was the first country in the European Union (EU) to convert to the new system of national accounts (ESA 95) with a full set of back series. We made improvements to the presentation of both national and regional labour market statistics with better integration of data from different sources. We embarked on a package of improvements to

“I think it’s quite a privileged position to be in, to be able to look after all this. There’s some fascinating information in the Archives.”

John Fennessy – Archive Curator National Health Service Central Register, part of Registration Division, Southport

bring a range of business and economic statistics closer to customer needs and

>

expectations. We also launched a fundamental review of the civil registration service in England & Wales. We started to improve accessibility to ONS data and services with the launch of our website in April 1998.

4

However, we recognised that there was more to be done. Some customers felt we took too long to deliver new products and outputs, and while we had started to use new technology with the website, we were not exploiting the internet as quickly as some other national statistical offices, such as those in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

5

We also accepted that the decision to suspend and review the Average Earnings Index (AEI) in the autumn of 1998 had affected our credibility as an authoritative source of statistical data. By the beginning of 1999-2000 (as indicated in last year’s Annual Report) the Index had been reinstated. However, the review of the AEI which had then just been published had implications for wider methodological issues within the Office, and these would necessarily be a major aspect of our work throughout the year. We were able to bring the recommendations of the AEI review together with a number of issues of a similar nature arising from the report

“Knowing that you are contributing to the success of the organisation whilst helping the staff and Centre develop is the most satisfying part of the job.”

Pauline Mason – Operations Manager & Deputy Centre Manager Family Records Centre

of the Treasury Select Committee on ONS published in December 1998.

> 8

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

“Pick up any newspaper and count the number of statistics.

You will probably find a large proportion of those come from us.”

Trevor Fenton – Assistant Statistician Index of Services / Short Term Output Indicators Division, part of National Accounts Group, Newport

6

Plans for 1999-2000 also included: + taking forward the stages following the response to the Green Paper Statistics: A Matter of Trust. The Green Paper put forward options for enhancing the integrity of official statistics and invited responses to specific questions; + the action plan arising from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury’s acceptance of the recommendations of the Efficiency Review of ONS. The Review identified areas where efficiency savings, estimated to total £20m a year by Year 3 of the programme, could be released by means such as the amalgamation of some functions (e.g. Personnel and Training), by the strengthening of others (e.g. senior management), or by outsourcing (e.g. Facilities Management). These savings would be invested in improved statistical outputs and products; + gearing up for the 2001 Census of Population which, for the first time, would involve private sector companies providing a wide range

>

of services previously carried out in-house. Census Day was set for 29 April 2001. The collection process would be managed by the UK Census Authorities (ONS, the General Register Office (Scotland) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency) but the printing of forms, their delivery to the field staff and the scanning of the completed forms, as well as the payment of field staff, would be handled by the private sector companies who bid for the work; + consulting interested parties, including the public, on options for modernising the system of civil registration (i.e. the registration of births and deaths and the conduct of civil marriages) in England & Wales; and, + as the Millennium loomed, ensuring that all our key systems could

“The system automatically does the matching, but there are thousands of cancer registrations that don’t get matched up automatically. You might have two John Smiths in one area, for instance. This is where we come in, making sure each registration is matched accurately.”

Jean Young (left) & Carole Brown (right) Medical Research, Southport

cope with the date change.

7

We also had to meet our targets as set out in the Public Service Agreement (PSA) – an outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) (see Annex A for the targets and performance in 1999-2000). Together, these presented a challenging programme.

> ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

11

“Pick up any newspaper and count the number of statistics.

You will probably find a large proportion of those come from us.”

Trevor Fenton – Assistant Statistician Index of Services / Short Term Output Indicators Division, part of National Accounts Group, Newport

6

Plans for 1999-2000 also included: + taking forward the stages following the response to the Green Paper Statistics: A Matter of Trust. The Green Paper put forward options for enhancing the integrity of official statistics and invited responses to specific questions; + the action plan arising from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury’s acceptance of the recommendations of the Efficiency Review of ONS. The Review identified areas where efficiency savings, estimated to total £20m a year by Year 3 of the programme, could be released by means such as the amalgamation of some functions (e.g. Personnel and Training), by the strengthening of others (e.g. senior management), or by outsourcing (e.g. Facilities Management). These savings would be invested in improved statistical outputs and products; + gearing up for the 2001 Census of Population which, for the first time, would involve private sector companies providing a wide range

>

of services previously carried out in-house. Census Day was set for 29 April 2001. The collection process would be managed by the UK Census Authorities (ONS, the General Register Office (Scotland) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency) but the printing of forms, their delivery to the field staff and the scanning of the completed forms, as well as the payment of field staff, would be handled by the private sector companies who bid for the work; + consulting interested parties, including the public, on options for modernising the system of civil registration (i.e. the registration of births and deaths and the conduct of civil marriages) in England & Wales; and, + as the Millennium loomed, ensuring that all our key systems could

“The system automatically does the matching, but there are thousands of cancer registrations that don’t get matched up automatically. You might have two John Smiths in one area, for instance. This is where we come in, making sure each registration is matched accurately.”

Jean Young (left) & Carole Brown (right) Medical Research, Southport

cope with the date change.

7

We also had to meet our targets as set out in the Public Service Agreement (PSA) – an outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) (see Annex A for the targets and performance in 1999-2000). Together, these presented a challenging programme.

> ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

11

>

“I’m particularly interested in equal opportunities policies. Our statistics help the Department of Education and Employment, who are trying to improve the policy of work for women, ethnic minorities and the disabled. Already new initiatives are in place to make improvements.

It’s satisfying to know that we are making a beneficial difference.”

Frances Sly – Head of Dissemination Branch Labour Market Division, London

>

“I’m particularly interested in equal opportunities policies. Our statistics help the Department of Education and Employment, who are trying to improve the policy of work for women, ethnic minorities and the disabled. Already new initiatives are in place to make improvements.

It’s satisfying to know that we are making a beneficial difference.”

Frances Sly – Head of Dissemination Branch Labour Market Division, London

Performance in 1999-2000

10

progressively through the year competitions were held to fill posts substantively. Three members of the resulting Board/Executive are new to

Changes to senior management 8

The new Board/Executive came into being with provisional appointments, but

ONS: Alan Goldsmith, who came from Shell on appointment as Director of

Following an Efficiency Review recommendation that the senior management of

Finance and Corporate Services; Susan Linacre, due to join us in May 2000

ONS be re-structured, the membership of the ONS Policy Board was reduced at

from the Australian Bureau of Statistics as Director of Quality & Methodology,

the start of the year from 7 to 5 senior Directors (plus 2 non-executive Directors

and Len Cook, from Statistics New Zealand, who is the first National Statistician

as before) and comprised:

and started work at the end of May 2000. They joined John Kidgell (Director of

+ Len Cook

Economic Statistics) and John Pullinger (Director of Social Statistics).

National Statistician and Chief Executive of ONS

+ Alan Goldsmith Finance & Corporate Services + John Kidgell

Economic Statistics

+ John Pullinger

Social Statistics

+ Susan Linacre

Quality and Methodology

The three roles of Len Cook Director, ONS Directly accountable to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the operation

The ONS Executive Committee was given the same structure but without the non-executive directors.

9

The aim of the restructuring of the senior management posts was to help ONS:

and performance of the Office in accordance with the Framework Document and its approved plans.

Registrar General for England and Wales (RG) Responsible for the administration of the marriage laws and for securing

+ improve co-ordination;

the provision of an effective system for the registration of vital events,

+ strengthen quality of outputs and improve quality assurance;

ie births, marriages and deaths. This is a statutory office, to which he is appointed by Letters Patent.

+ improve customer relations with key user departments; National Statistician

+ tackle the scale of changes implied by the ONS review;

The National Statistician is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and

+ take forward the CSR programme for extending the scope and

effective engagement of the United Kingdom in the statistical decision-

quality of outputs as resources are released and recycled as a result

making processes of the European Union, and ensuring the representation

of the ONS review; and

of the United Kingdom in international statistical bodies and forums, + take forward the National Statistics agenda.

such as the United Nations Statistical Commission. The National

>

> ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

Susan Linacre (right)

John Kidgell (left)

John Kidgell (right)

Len Cook (left)

>

14

Len Cook (right)

statisticians as a critical service resource in the UK.

John Pullinger (left)

responsible for the support and long-term development of professional

key cross-cutting issues within ONS.

John Pullinger (right)

Other objectives were to improve effective decision making and help address

>

Alan Goldsmith (left)

Statistician is the Head of the Government Statistical Service, and

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

15

Performance in 1999-2000

10

progressively through the year competitions were held to fill posts substantively. Three members of the resulting Board/Executive are new to

Changes to senior management 8

The new Board/Executive came into being with provisional appointments, but

ONS: Alan Goldsmith, who came from Shell on appointment as Director of

Following an Efficiency Review recommendation that the senior management of

Finance and Corporate Services; Susan Linacre, due to join us in May 2000

ONS be re-structured, the membership of the ONS Policy Board was reduced at

from the Australian Bureau of Statistics as Director of Quality & Methodology,

the start of the year from 7 to 5 senior Directors (plus 2 non-executive Directors

and Len Cook, from Statistics New Zealand, who is the first National Statistician

as before) and comprised:

and started work at the end of May 2000. They joined John Kidgell (Director of

+ Len Cook

Economic Statistics) and John Pullinger (Director of Social Statistics).

National Statistician and Chief Executive of ONS

+ Alan Goldsmith Finance & Corporate Services + John Kidgell

Economic Statistics

+ John Pullinger

Social Statistics

+ Susan Linacre

Quality and Methodology

The three roles of Len Cook Director, ONS Directly accountable to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the operation

The ONS Executive Committee was given the same structure but without the non-executive directors.

9

The aim of the restructuring of the senior management posts was to help ONS:

and performance of the Office in accordance with the Framework Document and its approved plans.

Registrar General for England and Wales (RG) Responsible for the administration of the marriage laws and for securing

+ improve co-ordination;

the provision of an effective system for the registration of vital events,

+ strengthen quality of outputs and improve quality assurance;

ie births, marriages and deaths. This is a statutory office, to which he is appointed by Letters Patent.

+ improve customer relations with key user departments; National Statistician

+ tackle the scale of changes implied by the ONS review;

The National Statistician is responsible for ensuring the appropriate and

+ take forward the CSR programme for extending the scope and

effective engagement of the United Kingdom in the statistical decision-

quality of outputs as resources are released and recycled as a result

making processes of the European Union, and ensuring the representation

of the ONS review; and

of the United Kingdom in international statistical bodies and forums, + take forward the National Statistics agenda.

such as the United Nations Statistical Commission. The National

>

> ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

Susan Linacre (right)

John Kidgell (left)

John Kidgell (right)

Len Cook (left)

>

14

Len Cook (right)

statisticians as a critical service resource in the UK.

John Pullinger (left)

responsible for the support and long-term development of professional

key cross-cutting issues within ONS.

John Pullinger (right)

Other objectives were to improve effective decision making and help address

>

Alan Goldsmith (left)

Statistician is the Head of the Government Statistical Service, and

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

15

National Statistics 13

The Green Paper Statistics: A Matter of Trust had set out the Government’s goal to enhance the integrity, both actual and perceived, of official statistics. It had proposed a number of specific questions to which responses were invited: + Is the concept of National Statistics the right one to define the coverage that we are looking for? Are there activities or outputs which should be specifically included or excluded from the definition of National Statistics? + Which arrangements for accountability and governance would contribute best to meeting the goals of guaranteed integrity and greater public confidence in

Quality and Methodology 11

government statistics? Which of the four models proposed and discussed in the

In response to the AEI and TSC recommendations we had, by the end of the year,

Green Paper, or a combination of any of their elements, offers the best chance of

developed plans for improving the quality of our methodology. These included:

success? The models were:

+ establishing and maintaining a framework of policies and standards for

a strengthening existing arrangements;

quality, and monitoring adherence to them;

b establishment of a governing board, with a non-executive chair;

+ carrying out a rolling audit of current processes across ONS;

c establishment of an independent Statistical Commission; or

+ carrying out and commissioning research into techniques and methods,

d direct accountability to Parliament.

and spreading good practice; and,

What steps should be taken to secure the preferred arrangements?

+ managing/quality assuring the introduction of new processes and

+ Are the criteria for determining location of responsibilities appropriate? Are there

changes to existing ones.

specific statistical activities or outputs that you would identify as meriting organisational change?

12

We planned to employ more economists, who would be used to assess the impact

+ Are arrangements for maintaining professional statistical standards across all

of proposed methodological changes on our statistics in the office.

government statistical work of the kind discussed in the Green Paper the right ones? + Are existing arrangements adequate to secure UK statistics and co-ordination?

Should the principles which guide the enhancement of integrity of statistics generally guide the arrangements for devolved responsibilities as well?

14

There was a positive response to the Green Paper and a substantial degree of consensus formed during the debate. The decisions announced in the White Paper Building trust in statistics,

“The census is important because it’s the only survey that collates independent mass nationwide statistics. Without it, on-going population projections would be impossible.”

Daniel Howell – Research Officer One Number Census, Titchfield

published in November 1999, reflected that consensus. The AEI reviews, the TSC report and

> 16

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

the recommendations of the Efficiency Review were all published between the Green Paper and the White Paper. All had the same underlying theme – better and more reliable official statistics.

The White Paper concluded that the best way forward was the creation of a Statistics Commission, independent of both Government and the producers of official statistics.

The White Paper also announced the creation of the post of National Statistician with overall professional responsibility for the outputs comprising National Statistics.

15

The launch date for National Statistics was set for early June 2000, by which time the National Statistician (Len Cook), the Chair of the Statistical Commission (Sir John Kingman), as well as the seven Commissioners, had been appointed. It was agreed that The Framework for National Statistics, on which ONS had been working for much of the year, should be published to coincide with the launch. This sets out the aims and objectives for National Statistics and describes, in more detail than the White Paper, the roles and responsibilities of the key players who would direct and guide the work leading to the production of National Statistics. It was also planned that a document setting out the initial scope of National Statistics (i.e. a list of the various statistical outputs produced by Departments which Ministers had decided should come within the scope of the new arrangements from the beginning) should be published on launch day.

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

17

National Statistics 13

The Green Paper Statistics: A Matter of Trust had set out the Government’s goal to enhance the integrity, both actual and perceived, of official statistics. It had proposed a number of specific questions to which responses were invited: + Is the concept of National Statistics the right one to define the coverage that we are looking for? Are there activities or outputs which should be specifically included or excluded from the definition of National Statistics? + Which arrangements for accountability and governance would contribute best to meeting the goals of guaranteed integrity and greater public confidence in

Quality and Methodology 11

government statistics? Which of the four models proposed and discussed in the

In response to the AEI and TSC recommendations we had, by the end of the year,

Green Paper, or a combination of any of their elements, offers the best chance of

developed plans for improving the quality of our methodology. These included:

success? The models were:

+ establishing and maintaining a framework of policies and standards for

a strengthening existing arrangements;

quality, and monitoring adherence to them;

b establishment of a governing board, with a non-executive chair;

+ carrying out a rolling audit of current processes across ONS;

c establishment of an independent Statistical Commission; or

+ carrying out and commissioning research into techniques and methods,

d direct accountability to Parliament.

and spreading good practice; and,

What steps should be taken to secure the preferred arrangements?

+ managing/quality assuring the introduction of new processes and

+ Are the criteria for determining location of responsibilities appropriate? Are there

changes to existing ones.

specific statistical activities or outputs that you would identify as meriting organisational change?

12

We planned to employ more economists, who would be used to assess the impact

+ Are arrangements for maintaining professional statistical standards across all

of proposed methodological changes on our statistics in the office.

government statistical work of the kind discussed in the Green Paper the right ones? + Are existing arrangements adequate to secure UK statistics and co-ordination?

Should the principles which guide the enhancement of integrity of statistics generally guide the arrangements for devolved responsibilities as well?

14

There was a positive response to the Green Paper and a substantial degree of consensus formed during the debate. The decisions announced in the White Paper Building trust in statistics,

“The census is important because it’s the only survey that collates independent mass nationwide statistics. Without it, on-going population projections would be impossible.”

Daniel Howell – Research Officer One Number Census, Titchfield

published in November 1999, reflected that consensus. The AEI reviews, the TSC report and

> 16

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

the recommendations of the Efficiency Review were all published between the Green Paper and the White Paper. All had the same underlying theme – better and more reliable official statistics.

The White Paper concluded that the best way forward was the creation of a Statistics Commission, independent of both Government and the producers of official statistics.

The White Paper also announced the creation of the post of National Statistician with overall professional responsibility for the outputs comprising National Statistics.

15

The launch date for National Statistics was set for early June 2000, by which time the National Statistician (Len Cook), the Chair of the Statistical Commission (Sir John Kingman), as well as the seven Commissioners, had been appointed. It was agreed that The Framework for National Statistics, on which ONS had been working for much of the year, should be published to coincide with the launch. This sets out the aims and objectives for National Statistics and describes, in more detail than the White Paper, the roles and responsibilities of the key players who would direct and guide the work leading to the production of National Statistics. It was also planned that a document setting out the initial scope of National Statistics (i.e. a list of the various statistical outputs produced by Departments which Ministers had decided should come within the scope of the new arrangements from the beginning) should be published on launch day.

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

17

In September 1999 we issued a consultation paper Registration: Modernising a Vital Service. The Review was part of the Modernising Government initiative (see para 22 and 23) and responses to the consultation paper are being used to develop policies for modernising the delivery of registration services. The civil registration system was set up in the 1830s. It was designed for the needs and expectations of society at that time when families were more stable and few people travelled. The underlying principles of a civil registration system remain. However, many of the reasons for the design of the system in the 1830s no longer apply, as the make-up of the society it seeks to serve has changed. Also, the registration service in the 1830s could never have envisaged advances such as the options now available for treating infertility, which raise issues of parentage and naming. There have also been

“I love working with the public. Helping them out and watching them smile. It’s a fantastic experience.”

16

Joseph Goldstein – Customer Services Officer Customer Services Unit at Family Records Centre

Civil Registration

advances in technology to which it is not able to respond.

17

There were around 1,000 responses to the consultation from a wide variety of

>

organisations, local authorities, members of the public and registration officers. There was widespread support for providing registration services in new ways, for better integration with other public services, for improving the use of technology to capture, store and share registration information and for determining national standards.

18

ONS will take forward the modernisation of civil registration. The changes will require primary legislation and the plans for the reforms will be published by the Government in a policy document. The timetable for implementation is

“Basically statistics allow the government, organisations and the public to make informed and accurate decisions about the state of our nation.”

Claire Ricketts Online Services Branch / Communication, London

dependent on the progress of the necessary legislation through Parliament.

> 18

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

In September 1999 we issued a consultation paper Registration: Modernising a Vital Service. The Review was part of the Modernising Government initiative (see para 22 and 23) and responses to the consultation paper are being used to develop policies for modernising the delivery of registration services. The civil registration system was set up in the 1830s. It was designed for the needs and expectations of society at that time when families were more stable and few people travelled. The underlying principles of a civil registration system remain. However, many of the reasons for the design of the system in the 1830s no longer apply, as the make-up of the society it seeks to serve has changed. Also, the registration service in the 1830s could never have envisaged advances such as the options now available for treating infertility, which raise issues of parentage and naming. There have also been

“I love working with the public. Helping them out and watching them smile. It’s a fantastic experience.”

16

Joseph Goldstein – Customer Services Officer Customer Services Unit at Family Records Centre

Civil Registration

advances in technology to which it is not able to respond.

17

There were around 1,000 responses to the consultation from a wide variety of

>

organisations, local authorities, members of the public and registration officers. There was widespread support for providing registration services in new ways, for better integration with other public services, for improving the use of technology to capture, store and share registration information and for determining national standards.

18

ONS will take forward the modernisation of civil registration. The changes will require primary legislation and the plans for the reforms will be published by the Government in a policy document. The timetable for implementation is

“Basically statistics allow the government, organisations and the public to make informed and accurate decisions about the state of our nation.”

Claire Ricketts Online Services Branch / Communication, London

dependent on the progress of the necessary legislation through Parliament.

> 18

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

Men 2,000

300

1,500

200

1,000

100

500

0

Number

400

Age

16–19

20–24

25–30

31–35

36–40

41–45

46–50

51–55

0

56–60

Women

“I’ve been very lucky to find a niche in an organisation where I can help produce information which, I believe, is extremely valuable .”

Women

>

Number

Men

Howard Meltzer – Senior Project Officer Social Survey Division, London

Count of staff by age group and gender as at 1 April 2000

Total

ONS Efficiency Review Programme 19

The early part of 1999-2000 was spent drawing up plans for taking forward the recommendations of the ONS Efficiency Review. At the beginning of 1999-2000 we agreed with our Minister a detailed action plan. During the year we: + merged Personnel and Human Resources Division;

Staff by gender as at 1 April 2000 Men

+ outsourced pensions work;

Women

+ started the consolidation of IS services within the organisation with full implementation due by April 2000; All staff

+ started reviews of administration throughout the organisation ; 10

Percentage 0

30 20

50 40

70 60

+ reviewed our location strategy and reduced our property holdings;

90 80

+ merged corporate planning with finance;

100

+ tendered facilities management with the aim of getting a contract in Senior Civil Service staff

place by mid 2000-01; and, + defined other services, such as IS and accounts processing, for the tendering process.

20

Significant new initiatives from the centre of government required us to review ONS’s business strategy to ensure that it was fully aligned with the latest policy directions and initiatives and with the 2000 Spending Review. Until this work was completed we could not take forward the tendering process for any services

Staff by ethnic origin as at 1 April 2000 White

Other ethnic origin

except facilities management.

Not specified

All staff 10

Percentage 0

20

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

30 20

50 40

70 60

90 80

100

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

21

Men 2,000

300

1,500

200

1,000

100

500

0

Number

400

Age

16–19

20–24

25–30

31–35

36–40

41–45

46–50

51–55

0

56–60

Women

“I’ve been very lucky to find a niche in an organisation where I can help produce information which, I believe, is extremely valuable .”

Women

>

Number

Men

Howard Meltzer – Senior Project Officer Social Survey Division, London

Count of staff by age group and gender as at 1 April 2000

Total

ONS Efficiency Review Programme 19

The early part of 1999-2000 was spent drawing up plans for taking forward the recommendations of the ONS Efficiency Review. At the beginning of 1999-2000 we agreed with our Minister a detailed action plan. During the year we: + merged Personnel and Human Resources Division;

Staff by gender as at 1 April 2000 Men

+ outsourced pensions work;

Women

+ started the consolidation of IS services within the organisation with full implementation due by April 2000; All staff

+ started reviews of administration throughout the organisation ; 10

Percentage 0

30 20

50 40

70 60

+ reviewed our location strategy and reduced our property holdings;

90 80

+ merged corporate planning with finance;

100

+ tendered facilities management with the aim of getting a contract in Senior Civil Service staff

place by mid 2000-01; and, + defined other services, such as IS and accounts processing, for the tendering process.

20

Significant new initiatives from the centre of government required us to review ONS’s business strategy to ensure that it was fully aligned with the latest policy directions and initiatives and with the 2000 Spending Review. Until this work was completed we could not take forward the tendering process for any services

Staff by ethnic origin as at 1 April 2000 White

Other ethnic origin

except facilities management.

Not specified

All staff 10

Percentage 0

20

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

30 20

50 40

70 60

90 80

100

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

21

Statistical developments

inactivity data for a range of small areas including Local Authorities, Parliamentary Constituencies, NUTS and Travel to Work Areas

21

Development highlights in 1999-2000 included:

(TTWAs) to assist in local decision making e.g. funding allocation,

+ implementation of recommendations arising from the review of the

and land use structural planning. ONS has set up a project to develop

AEI, including the replacement of the sample, the introduction of

modelling methods for producing estimates for small areas, with

rotation to the sample selection and amendment to the questionnaire

greater precision for those estimates which are already published;

to improve the collection of data on bonuses; + the development of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Bank

+ a prototype monthly Index of Services (IoS) to mirror the established Index of Production; there is currently a quarterly IoS. The monthly

of England. The SLA establishes a framework within which the Bank

IoS will cover the whole service sector – accounting for around 70

can assess ONS’s performance in supplying data and other

per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and will meet a strong

information to the Bank against an agreed set of targets;

demand for more regular information from those who monitor the

+ a programme of quality reviews within ONS to establish and maintain a framework of policies and standards for quality and ensure that it is adhered to. The work includes a rolling audit of

UK economy. Development work has started on the full monthly IoS, which we plan to publish from December 2000; + new analyses to support government policy monitoring, e.g. the national

current processes across ONS, research into and promulgation of

minimum wage and the Social Exclusion Unit initiative on better

good practice on generic techniques; and, assisting in the

information in support of the Neighbourhood Renewal programme;

management of change to existing processes that produce key

+ the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management)

outputs and introduce new outputs. The programme is important in

Excellence Model (as recommended by the Cabinet Office) was

ensuring that National Statistics outputs are fit for purpose and

piloted by three business areas;

improvements are identified and taken forward, and in providing assurance to the new Statistical Commission; + development of a Data Capture Initiatives Strategy, covering the

+ we took part in an international benchmarking exercise with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and other National Statistics Institutes. A National Statistical Agencies Benchmarking Network was

collection of data for business inquiries over the next five years.

established in late 1998 by the ABS as a method of sharing

The Strategy is part of the ONS Efficiency programme and also

information among network partners about statistical collections and

contributes to the ‘Electronic Government’ targets within the

processes in a structured, systematic way. The aim of the network is

Modernising Government programme. It covers the development and

to understand and improve performance on the development,

implementation of alternative methods of data collection, including

collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of statistical

via the internet and Telephone Data Entry (TDE) systems, as well as

outputs. It is anticipated that all of the first-round study reports will

improvements to the methods used to process and validate the

be finalised and action plans developed by September 2000;

collected data within ONS. The objectives of the Strategy are: a to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of data collection for business inquiries; b to reduce the burden on the contributor; and, c to improve the quality and timeliness of data. + expansion and enhancement of statistics on Public Sector Finances to

+ we carried out, with Statistics Finland, a research project on small area estimation. This provided potential users, generally National Statistical Institutes, with guidance on a number of techniques and recounted the experience of ONS and Statistics Finland in applying the techniques to a range of subject matters. The project looked at the relationship between model-assisted and model-dependent techniques of small area estimation, and how the standard

include monthly public sector current balance estimates and extra

techniques, which have been developed for continuous data, can be

detail. This was the last stage of a programme to issue new monthly

adapted to deal with discrete data (which is at least as common in

indicators to enable the Government’s fiscal objectives – particularly

practical contexts). It also looked at the way the organisation of a

the golden rule and the sustainable investment rule – to be monitored;

country’s system of administrative, census and survey statistics affects

+ extension of range of geographies for which labour market data are

the estimation techniques that can be applied. Robustness and biases

available to include claimant count rates for NUTS3 (a code used to

were studied with particular investigation on the problems of non-

identify areas within, and for, the European Union) and Parliamentary

response and interviewer variance.

Constituency Areas (PCAs), as well as LFS estimates of rates for a wider range of geographies. We also plan to make claimant count levels available for New Deal Units of Delivery and wards as they exist at the time of the count. There is considerable demand from both Government and the private sector for employment, International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployment and

22

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

23

Statistical developments

inactivity data for a range of small areas including Local Authorities, Parliamentary Constituencies, NUTS and Travel to Work Areas

21

Development highlights in 1999-2000 included:

(TTWAs) to assist in local decision making e.g. funding allocation,

+ implementation of recommendations arising from the review of the

and land use structural planning. ONS has set up a project to develop

AEI, including the replacement of the sample, the introduction of

modelling methods for producing estimates for small areas, with

rotation to the sample selection and amendment to the questionnaire

greater precision for those estimates which are already published;

to improve the collection of data on bonuses; + the development of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Bank

+ a prototype monthly Index of Services (IoS) to mirror the established Index of Production; there is currently a quarterly IoS. The monthly

of England. The SLA establishes a framework within which the Bank

IoS will cover the whole service sector – accounting for around 70

can assess ONS’s performance in supplying data and other

per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and will meet a strong

information to the Bank against an agreed set of targets;

demand for more regular information from those who monitor the

+ a programme of quality reviews within ONS to establish and maintain a framework of policies and standards for quality and ensure that it is adhered to. The work includes a rolling audit of

UK economy. Development work has started on the full monthly IoS, which we plan to publish from December 2000; + new analyses to support government policy monitoring, e.g. the national

current processes across ONS, research into and promulgation of

minimum wage and the Social Exclusion Unit initiative on better

good practice on generic techniques; and, assisting in the

information in support of the Neighbourhood Renewal programme;

management of change to existing processes that produce key

+ the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management)

outputs and introduce new outputs. The programme is important in

Excellence Model (as recommended by the Cabinet Office) was

ensuring that National Statistics outputs are fit for purpose and

piloted by three business areas;

improvements are identified and taken forward, and in providing assurance to the new Statistical Commission; + development of a Data Capture Initiatives Strategy, covering the

+ we took part in an international benchmarking exercise with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and other National Statistics Institutes. A National Statistical Agencies Benchmarking Network was

collection of data for business inquiries over the next five years.

established in late 1998 by the ABS as a method of sharing

The Strategy is part of the ONS Efficiency programme and also

information among network partners about statistical collections and

contributes to the ‘Electronic Government’ targets within the

processes in a structured, systematic way. The aim of the network is

Modernising Government programme. It covers the development and

to understand and improve performance on the development,

implementation of alternative methods of data collection, including

collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of statistical

via the internet and Telephone Data Entry (TDE) systems, as well as

outputs. It is anticipated that all of the first-round study reports will

improvements to the methods used to process and validate the

be finalised and action plans developed by September 2000;

collected data within ONS. The objectives of the Strategy are: a to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of data collection for business inquiries; b to reduce the burden on the contributor; and, c to improve the quality and timeliness of data. + expansion and enhancement of statistics on Public Sector Finances to

+ we carried out, with Statistics Finland, a research project on small area estimation. This provided potential users, generally National Statistical Institutes, with guidance on a number of techniques and recounted the experience of ONS and Statistics Finland in applying the techniques to a range of subject matters. The project looked at the relationship between model-assisted and model-dependent techniques of small area estimation, and how the standard

include monthly public sector current balance estimates and extra

techniques, which have been developed for continuous data, can be

detail. This was the last stage of a programme to issue new monthly

adapted to deal with discrete data (which is at least as common in

indicators to enable the Government’s fiscal objectives – particularly

practical contexts). It also looked at the way the organisation of a

the golden rule and the sustainable investment rule – to be monitored;

country’s system of administrative, census and survey statistics affects

+ extension of range of geographies for which labour market data are

the estimation techniques that can be applied. Robustness and biases

available to include claimant count rates for NUTS3 (a code used to

were studied with particular investigation on the problems of non-

identify areas within, and for, the European Union) and Parliamentary

response and interviewer variance.

Constituency Areas (PCAs), as well as LFS estimates of rates for a wider range of geographies. We also plan to make claimant count levels available for New Deal Units of Delivery and wards as they exist at the time of the count. There is considerable demand from both Government and the private sector for employment, International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployment and

22

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

23

“One of the objectives of the organisation is to maintain a happy workforce. Basically we try to keep morale up. Any issues between staff and management are quickly ironed out before they become problems.”

Gail Carlson – Departmental Trade Union Secretary Information Services, Newport

Modernising Government 22

We engaged actively in the government’s Modernising Government agenda.

Modernising Government is about improving the way that government provides services and involves not only joining-up and integrating government, but also using the best and most modern techniques, especially electronic information-age services. The long-term programme of improvements includes aligning the availability of services to the users’ needs. We have already extended the opening hours of the Family Records Centre. We are developing a facility for businesses to notify registration and change of details to government departments and to allow government departments a facility for sharing data – subject to clarifying the legal issues surrounding data sharing.

We want to extend the use of electronic means of collection and delivery, and are reviewing the legislative changes that may be necessary to take this forward in all areas of ONS work. We also have the Census Access Project, designed to deliver the results of the 2001 Census in unrestricted, largely electronic and user-friendly ways from a dataset of statistics, geography and supporting information, with a choice of facilities to suit all levels of expertise. It will provide the public sector with evidence for policy making and evaluation, especially in the area of social exclusion and at neighbourhood level.

> 23

Modernising Government also includes Civil Service reform and we have a programme that embraces the six main themes of the reform plan: + stronger leadership with a clear sense of purpose; + better business planning from top to bottom; + sharper performance management; + a dramatic improvement in diversity; + a service more open to people and ideas, which brings on talent; and, + a better deal for staff.

“I got involved with the social club because there are a lot of nice people that work here. You can’t always get to know everybody through the office so it’s nice to have some sort of social outlet where everybody can meet and integrate on a common level.”

Pete Sitch – Acting Purchasing Manager & Chair of Social Club Morbidity Statistics, Titchfield

Millennium Date Change 24

Finally, as 1999 moved into 2000, there was no adverse impact on our systems.

> ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

25

“One of the objectives of the organisation is to maintain a happy workforce. Basically we try to keep morale up. Any issues between staff and management are quickly ironed out before they become problems.”

Gail Carlson – Departmental Trade Union Secretary Information Services, Newport

Modernising Government 22

We engaged actively in the government’s Modernising Government agenda.

Modernising Government is about improving the way that government provides services and involves not only joining-up and integrating government, but also using the best and most modern techniques, especially electronic information-age services. The long-term programme of improvements includes aligning the availability of services to the users’ needs. We have already extended the opening hours of the Family Records Centre. We are developing a facility for businesses to notify registration and change of details to government departments and to allow government departments a facility for sharing data – subject to clarifying the legal issues surrounding data sharing.

We want to extend the use of electronic means of collection and delivery, and are reviewing the legislative changes that may be necessary to take this forward in all areas of ONS work. We also have the Census Access Project, designed to deliver the results of the 2001 Census in unrestricted, largely electronic and user-friendly ways from a dataset of statistics, geography and supporting information, with a choice of facilities to suit all levels of expertise. It will provide the public sector with evidence for policy making and evaluation, especially in the area of social exclusion and at neighbourhood level.

> 23

Modernising Government also includes Civil Service reform and we have a programme that embraces the six main themes of the reform plan: + stronger leadership with a clear sense of purpose; + better business planning from top to bottom; + sharper performance management; + a dramatic improvement in diversity; + a service more open to people and ideas, which brings on talent; and, + a better deal for staff.

“I got involved with the social club because there are a lot of nice people that work here. You can’t always get to know everybody through the office so it’s nice to have some sort of social outlet where everybody can meet and integrate on a common level.”

Pete Sitch – Acting Purchasing Manager & Chair of Social Club Morbidity Statistics, Titchfield

Millennium Date Change 24

Finally, as 1999 moved into 2000, there was no adverse impact on our systems.

> ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

25

Looking ahead 25

We have submitted proposals to the 2000 review of public expenditure which, once agreed by Ministers, will set our resource levels, priorities and deliverables for the period to March 2004.

26

The agenda includes pressing further ahead with many of the items covered above, particularly launching National Statistics, as well as developing new statistical outputs in response to customer needs, improving access to all ONS statistics, preparing the necessary primary legislation to enable modernisation of the civil registration service to take place, and carrying out the 2001 Census of Population (Census Day is 29 April 2001).

27

We have achieved much during the year and this annual report reflects this.

Many of our statistical outputs form part of regular statistical series and are produced month on month, year on year. In total, we issued over 500 press releases and over 250 publications. We deal with large numbers of individuals, up to 2,000 each day, in the Family Records Centre and we sell nearly threequarters of a million certificates each year. We make no apology for highlighting – again – the scale and breadth of on-going work, which must not

“It is rewarding to know that the information we produce is being used by politicians, public and private bodies to make better decisions concerning the country.”

James Elder – Assistant Survey Computing Officer Social (SSD) Applications Support, London

be forgotten in the eagerness to celebrate developments.

>

Looking ahead 25

We have submitted proposals to the 2000 review of public expenditure which, once agreed by Ministers, will set our resource levels, priorities and deliverables for the period to March 2004.

26

The agenda includes pressing further ahead with many of the items covered above, particularly launching National Statistics, as well as developing new statistical outputs in response to customer needs, improving access to all ONS statistics, preparing the necessary primary legislation to enable modernisation of the civil registration service to take place, and carrying out the 2001 Census of Population (Census Day is 29 April 2001).

27

We have achieved much during the year and this annual report reflects this.

Many of our statistical outputs form part of regular statistical series and are produced month on month, year on year. In total, we issued over 500 press releases and over 250 publications. We deal with large numbers of individuals, up to 2,000 each day, in the Family Records Centre and we sell nearly threequarters of a million certificates each year. We make no apology for highlighting – again – the scale and breadth of on-going work, which must not

“It is rewarding to know that the information we produce is being used by politicians, public and private bodies to make better decisions concerning the country.”

James Elder – Assistant Survey Computing Officer Social (SSD) Applications Support, London

be forgotten in the eagerness to celebrate developments.

>

Annex A – Corporate Targets 1999-2000 Reliable statistics are necessary for good public management and accountability. One role of our outputs is to provide the information to allow the performance of government to be monitored. It is also important

Target (*indicates PSA target)

Performance

Comments

To respond to all public enquiries about

99.9% of enquiries were answered within

Nearly 183,000 substantive enquiries were received

statistical activities within 10 days*

10 days

To release all publications on

All high-profile First Releases were

ONS issued 501 releases of which 288 were First

pre-announced dates

published to schedule

Releases

that we demonstrate that the statistics and registration services we provide are efficient.

The following goals, established when ONS was set up, form a core of the ONS Vision and Values and remain relevant to our business strategy: 91% of publications were released to time,

We published 257 reports. The reasons for not meeting

a to improve the quality, relevance and accessibility of our services to all customers;

matching last year’s achievement. We did

pre-announced publication dates were:

b to improve public confidence in the integrity of our outputs;

not, however, achieve the goal of

+

(14 reports)

improving on last year’s performance

c to minimise the burden on those supplying information, subject to the needs of

+

government and society for high-quality information; d to improve value for money and operate efficiently and effectively; and

Delays in completion of datasets/content Problems in author area (3)

+

Print and distribution problems (2)

+

Publication date changed because of external factors (eg. to avoid clashing with budget or at

e to maintain and develop a well-motivated workforce.

the request of the sponsor) (3)

Our annual targets, agreed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, are designed around these goals.

+

Wrong publication date announced (eg. provisional date given out before fully

Target (*indicates PSA target)

Performance

Goal: to improve quality, relevance and accessibility To receive formal recognition from HMT, DH,

HMT acknowledge that most aspects of the

HMT 28 out of 32 (88%) of the performance targets met

DTI and DfEE that performance has improved

service fulfilled its requirements. It was

(compared with 22 out of 25 targets (88%) in 1998-99)

in line with negotiated concordats and targets*

satisfied with the general direction of

Bank of England Following

developments, though would have liked to

The following departments used a three-point rating

see faster progress in some areas

system: good, acceptable, unsatisfactory

Target not met; investment in 1999-2000

There was an underspend of £0.8m compared with plans

improved statistics*

totalled £9.2m

due to staff vacancies (£0.3m) and to a deliberate policy to delay investment in the IS infrastructure pending the

To meet all detailed targets for the registration service

with the Bank was signed in October 1999.

DH and DTI confirm that we met our

DH 8 out of 10 (80%) SLAs were rated as good and 2

The Bank, MPC and ONS will agree

overall target

as acceptable. Performance had improved for 4 (40%) of the SLAs compared with last year; performance was

performance standards for 2000-01 and future Bank’s view on ONS’s performance

To re-invest efficiency savings of £10m in

outcome of the review of ONS’s business strategy (£0.5m)

recommendations by the AEI review, an SLA

reports on corporate targets will include the

confirmed) (2)

Comments

DfEE’s assessment is that ONS has maintained service at a similar level to the previous year’s

maintained for 6 (60%). Overall, service delivery is good or satisfactory for all of the SLAs

good overall performance, with better liaison systems in place by the year end

DTI 27 out of 34 assessments (79%) were rated good; a further 5 (15%) were rated acceptable. 2 assessments (6%), where delivery targets were not met (although liaison/service was rated “excellent”), were rated unsatisfactory. Overall, where it was possible to compare with 1998-99, 10 areas (33%) had improved in service, 17 areas (57%) were about the same and 3 (10%) had deteriorated

(i) 90% of urgent cases were dealt with

(i) Problems arose in the certificate application area.

within 5 days (target of 99%) and 91% of

There was a further significant rise in applications

non-urgent cases were dealt with within

(compared with 1998-99, 50% in postal/phone/

20 days (target 95%)

e-mail and 5% in person). Significant difficulties in

(ii) For non-certificate-related casework the

the summer of 1999 led to a backlog of orders.

outturn was on target at 99% for urgent

This generated a lot of complaints adding to the

work or exceeded the target at 98%

workload. In the third quarter, the casework target

(target 95%) for non-urgent work

was exceeded and in the fourth quarter all targets

(iii) The target of 90% of Principal

were exceeded

Registration Officers with satisfactory standards was met Registration of key life events (iv) The target to ensure that the registration of births did not fall below

(iv) Only 85 (0.01%) of over 620,000 known births unregistered

99.9% was met (v) 97% of births were registered within the prescribed time for first registration

DfEE 4 (20%) areas out of 20 were rated good, 16 (80%) were acceptable. 5 areas showed an improvement in

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

(vi) 98% of deaths were registered or

service, 12 showed no change and there was a

referred to the coroner within the

deterioration in 3. DfEE’s performance assessment

prescribed time (5 days); (target 95%)

underlying the concordat emphasises four central aspects

28

(42 days); (target 99%) (vi) Over 550,000 deaths registered

(vii) ONS has been a key player in the

of ONS service: delivery of data, consultation and

interdepartmental initiative to minimise

communication, technical advice and data quality, as well

identity fraud, in particular minimising

as some specific issues for the current year

the fraudulent use of birth certificates

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

29

Annex A – Corporate Targets 1999-2000 Reliable statistics are necessary for good public management and accountability. One role of our outputs is to provide the information to allow the performance of government to be monitored. It is also important

Target (*indicates PSA target)

Performance

Comments

To respond to all public enquiries about

99.9% of enquiries were answered within

Nearly 183,000 substantive enquiries were received

statistical activities within 10 days*

10 days

To release all publications on

All high-profile First Releases were

ONS issued 501 releases of which 288 were First

pre-announced dates

published to schedule

Releases

that we demonstrate that the statistics and registration services we provide are efficient.

The following goals, established when ONS was set up, form a core of the ONS Vision and Values and remain relevant to our business strategy: 91% of publications were released to time,

We published 257 reports. The reasons for not meeting

a to improve the quality, relevance and accessibility of our services to all customers;

matching last year’s achievement. We did

pre-announced publication dates were:

b to improve public confidence in the integrity of our outputs;

not, however, achieve the goal of

+

(14 reports)

improving on last year’s performance

c to minimise the burden on those supplying information, subject to the needs of

+

government and society for high-quality information; d to improve value for money and operate efficiently and effectively; and

Delays in completion of datasets/content Problems in author area (3)

+

Print and distribution problems (2)

+

Publication date changed because of external factors (eg. to avoid clashing with budget or at

e to maintain and develop a well-motivated workforce.

the request of the sponsor) (3)

Our annual targets, agreed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, are designed around these goals.

+

Wrong publication date announced (eg. provisional date given out before fully

Target (*indicates PSA target)

Performance

Goal: to improve quality, relevance and accessibility To receive formal recognition from HMT, DH,

HMT acknowledge that most aspects of the

HMT 28 out of 32 (88%) of the performance targets met

DTI and DfEE that performance has improved

service fulfilled its requirements. It was

(compared with 22 out of 25 targets (88%) in 1998-99)

in line with negotiated concordats and targets*

satisfied with the general direction of

Bank of England Following

developments, though would have liked to

The following departments used a three-point rating

see faster progress in some areas

system: good, acceptable, unsatisfactory

Target not met; investment in 1999-2000

There was an underspend of £0.8m compared with plans

improved statistics*

totalled £9.2m

due to staff vacancies (£0.3m) and to a deliberate policy to delay investment in the IS infrastructure pending the

To meet all detailed targets for the registration service

with the Bank was signed in October 1999.

DH and DTI confirm that we met our

DH 8 out of 10 (80%) SLAs were rated as good and 2

The Bank, MPC and ONS will agree

overall target

as acceptable. Performance had improved for 4 (40%) of the SLAs compared with last year; performance was

performance standards for 2000-01 and future Bank’s view on ONS’s performance

To re-invest efficiency savings of £10m in

outcome of the review of ONS’s business strategy (£0.5m)

recommendations by the AEI review, an SLA

reports on corporate targets will include the

confirmed) (2)

Comments

DfEE’s assessment is that ONS has maintained service at a similar level to the previous year’s

maintained for 6 (60%). Overall, service delivery is good or satisfactory for all of the SLAs

good overall performance, with better liaison systems in place by the year end

DTI 27 out of 34 assessments (79%) were rated good; a further 5 (15%) were rated acceptable. 2 assessments (6%), where delivery targets were not met (although liaison/service was rated “excellent”), were rated unsatisfactory. Overall, where it was possible to compare with 1998-99, 10 areas (33%) had improved in service, 17 areas (57%) were about the same and 3 (10%) had deteriorated

(i) 90% of urgent cases were dealt with

(i) Problems arose in the certificate application area.

within 5 days (target of 99%) and 91% of

There was a further significant rise in applications

non-urgent cases were dealt with within

(compared with 1998-99, 50% in postal/phone/

20 days (target 95%)

e-mail and 5% in person). Significant difficulties in

(ii) For non-certificate-related casework the

the summer of 1999 led to a backlog of orders.

outturn was on target at 99% for urgent

This generated a lot of complaints adding to the

work or exceeded the target at 98%

workload. In the third quarter, the casework target

(target 95%) for non-urgent work

was exceeded and in the fourth quarter all targets

(iii) The target of 90% of Principal

were exceeded

Registration Officers with satisfactory standards was met Registration of key life events (iv) The target to ensure that the registration of births did not fall below

(iv) Only 85 (0.01%) of over 620,000 known births unregistered

99.9% was met (v) 97% of births were registered within the prescribed time for first registration

DfEE 4 (20%) areas out of 20 were rated good, 16 (80%) were acceptable. 5 areas showed an improvement in

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

(vi) 98% of deaths were registered or

service, 12 showed no change and there was a

referred to the coroner within the

deterioration in 3. DfEE’s performance assessment

prescribed time (5 days); (target 95%)

underlying the concordat emphasises four central aspects

28

(42 days); (target 99%) (vi) Over 550,000 deaths registered

(vii) ONS has been a key player in the

of ONS service: delivery of data, consultation and

interdepartmental initiative to minimise

communication, technical advice and data quality, as well

identity fraud, in particular minimising

as some specific issues for the current year

the fraudulent use of birth certificates

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

29

Target (*indicates PSA target)

Performance

Annex B – ONS Publishing April 1999 - March 2000

Comments

Goal: to improve public confidence in the integrity and validity of outputs To implement the outcome of the Green

Target met

Paper Statistics: a Matter of Trust *

The White Paper – Building trust in statistics – was published in October 1999

Frequency

High Profile Regular Outputs – First Releases

With the agreement of Ministers, the formal launch of

Compendia and Reference

National Statistics was set for June 2000 to coincide

Monthly

+ Monthly Digest of Statistics

with the arrival of Len Cook in post as the first

Annual

+ Annual Abstract of Statistics + Britain Handbook

National Statistician To continue to measure public confidence in

Target met

In March 2000, public recognition of ONS as the

official statistics and public recognition of

organisation mainly responsible for government

ONS by independent survey and to develop

statistics had doubled to 10% (compared with 5% in

methods of measuring public confidence*

Monthly

+ Social Trends pocket book

+ Index of Production

each of the previous three years). There was also an

+ Metalworking Machine Tools

+ Motor Vehicle Production + Motor Vehicle Production and New Registrations (PM34.10)

increase in the proportions who said they had heard of

+ Producer Prices

+ Aerospace and Electronic Cost Indices (MM19) + Producer Price Indices (MM22) + Price Index Numbers for Current Cost Accounting (MM17)

Quarterly

+ Acquisitions and Mergers involving UK Companies + GB Cinema Exhibitors

and society for high quality information

+ Quarterly turnover of Distributive and Service Trades

Compliance costs were £21.7m in 1999-2000

+ Assets and Liabilities of Finance Houses and other credit

companies (SDQ7)

+ Investment by Insurance Companies, Pension Funds and Trusts + Stocks (provisional; final)

more than £21.7m in accordance with the

+ Insurance Companies, Pension Funds and Trust Investment

(MQ5) + Sector Review reports (4 volumes) + Stockbuilding (SQ1)

compliance plan*

Annual To increase to 10% the proportion of

+ Regional Trends

+ Social Trends

+ Engineering Turnover and Orders

Goal: to minimise the burden on those who supply us with data subject to the need of government

Target met

+ Focus on London

Commerce, Energy and Industry

the RPI and the unemployment figures

To limit business compliance cost to no

Other Regular Outputs – Reports

Target met

transactions with businesses completed

+ Business Enterprise Research and Development

+ Mineral Extraction in Great Britain (PA1007)

13% of respondents to over 1.3m inquiries were given

+ Gross Domestic Expenditure on R & D

+ Production and Construction Inquiries summary volume

the option to make electronic returns to ONS

+ Overseas Direct Investment

(PA1002)

electronically

+ Research and Development in UK Business (MA14)

Goal: to improve value for money and operate efficiently and effectively

+ Service Sector Review reports (3 volumes) + Size Analysis of UK Businesses (PA1003)

To reduce the aggregate efficiency index by

Target met

The outturn was 93.7%; a reduction of 6.3 percentage points

4% compared to the outturn for 1998-99*

The Economy Monthly

To reduce to less than 26% the percentage

Target met – 25.5% of running cost

Of a total spend of £125.3m, £31.9m was spent on

of running costs expended on central

expenditure was on central overhead activity

central overheads

+ Consumer Price Indices

+ Public Sector Finances

+ Consumer Price Indices (MM23)

+ Retail Sales

+ UK Trade

+ Economic Trends

+ Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics (MM24) + Retail Sales (SDM28)

overhead activity*

Quarterly To pay bills promptly*

+ Financial Statistics

Target met – 98.5% of bills were paid within

Over 20,000 invoices were paid

term (target of 95%)

+ Business Investment – provisional and final

+ Consumer Trends

+ GDP Preliminary Estimate

+ UK Trade in Goods analysed in Terms of Industries (MQ10)

+ UK Economic Accounts

+ Government Deficit and Debt under the Maastricht Treaty + Institutional Investment

To reduce sick absence*

Target of 8.5 days sick per person was not

+ Public Sector Accounts

met. Outturn was 10.7 days

+ Profitability of UK Companies + United Kingdom Balance of Payments

Goal: to maintain and develop a well-motivated workforce To conduct a Staff Perception Survey to

Target met. 66% of staff responding said that

measure progress from 1998-99 and on the

their job made good use of their relevant

question ”my job makes good use of my

skills and abilities all or most of the time

+ United Kingdom National Accounts + UK Output, Income and Expenditure

Annual

+ Economic Trends Annual Supplement + Financial Statistics Explanatory Handbook

relevant skills and abilities” to achieve an

+ Overseas Direct Investment (MA4)

improved rating

+ Share Ownership + UK Balance of Payments (Pink Book) + UK Input-Output Supply and Use Tables + UK National Accounts (Blue Book) + UK Trade in Services (UKA1)

30

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

31

Target (*indicates PSA target)

Performance

Annex B – ONS Publishing April 1999 - March 2000

Comments

Goal: to improve public confidence in the integrity and validity of outputs To implement the outcome of the Green

Target met

Paper Statistics: a Matter of Trust *

The White Paper – Building trust in statistics – was published in October 1999

Frequency

High Profile Regular Outputs – First Releases

With the agreement of Ministers, the formal launch of

Compendia and Reference

National Statistics was set for June 2000 to coincide

Monthly

+ Monthly Digest of Statistics

with the arrival of Len Cook in post as the first

Annual

+ Annual Abstract of Statistics + Britain Handbook

National Statistician To continue to measure public confidence in

Target met

In March 2000, public recognition of ONS as the

official statistics and public recognition of

organisation mainly responsible for government

ONS by independent survey and to develop

statistics had doubled to 10% (compared with 5% in

methods of measuring public confidence*

Monthly

+ Social Trends pocket book

+ Index of Production

each of the previous three years). There was also an

+ Metalworking Machine Tools

+ Motor Vehicle Production + Motor Vehicle Production and New Registrations (PM34.10)

increase in the proportions who said they had heard of

+ Producer Prices

+ Aerospace and Electronic Cost Indices (MM19) + Producer Price Indices (MM22) + Price Index Numbers for Current Cost Accounting (MM17)

Quarterly

+ Acquisitions and Mergers involving UK Companies + GB Cinema Exhibitors

and society for high quality information

+ Quarterly turnover of Distributive and Service Trades

Compliance costs were £21.7m in 1999-2000

+ Assets and Liabilities of Finance Houses and other credit

companies (SDQ7)

+ Investment by Insurance Companies, Pension Funds and Trusts + Stocks (provisional; final)

more than £21.7m in accordance with the

+ Insurance Companies, Pension Funds and Trust Investment

(MQ5) + Sector Review reports (4 volumes) + Stockbuilding (SQ1)

compliance plan*

Annual To increase to 10% the proportion of

+ Regional Trends

+ Social Trends

+ Engineering Turnover and Orders

Goal: to minimise the burden on those who supply us with data subject to the need of government

Target met

+ Focus on London

Commerce, Energy and Industry

the RPI and the unemployment figures

To limit business compliance cost to no

Other Regular Outputs – Reports

Target met

transactions with businesses completed

+ Business Enterprise Research and Development

+ Mineral Extraction in Great Britain (PA1007)

13% of respondents to over 1.3m inquiries were given

+ Gross Domestic Expenditure on R & D

+ Production and Construction Inquiries summary volume

the option to make electronic returns to ONS

+ Overseas Direct Investment

(PA1002)

electronically

+ Research and Development in UK Business (MA14)

Goal: to improve value for money and operate efficiently and effectively

+ Service Sector Review reports (3 volumes) + Size Analysis of UK Businesses (PA1003)

To reduce the aggregate efficiency index by

Target met

The outturn was 93.7%; a reduction of 6.3 percentage points

4% compared to the outturn for 1998-99*

The Economy Monthly

To reduce to less than 26% the percentage

Target met – 25.5% of running cost

Of a total spend of £125.3m, £31.9m was spent on

of running costs expended on central

expenditure was on central overhead activity

central overheads

+ Consumer Price Indices

+ Public Sector Finances

+ Consumer Price Indices (MM23)

+ Retail Sales

+ UK Trade

+ Economic Trends

+ Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics (MM24) + Retail Sales (SDM28)

overhead activity*

Quarterly To pay bills promptly*

+ Financial Statistics

Target met – 98.5% of bills were paid within

Over 20,000 invoices were paid

term (target of 95%)

+ Business Investment – provisional and final

+ Consumer Trends

+ GDP Preliminary Estimate

+ UK Trade in Goods analysed in Terms of Industries (MQ10)

+ UK Economic Accounts

+ Government Deficit and Debt under the Maastricht Treaty + Institutional Investment

To reduce sick absence*

Target of 8.5 days sick per person was not

+ Public Sector Accounts

met. Outturn was 10.7 days

+ Profitability of UK Companies + United Kingdom Balance of Payments

Goal: to maintain and develop a well-motivated workforce To conduct a Staff Perception Survey to

Target met. 66% of staff responding said that

measure progress from 1998-99 and on the

their job made good use of their relevant

question ”my job makes good use of my

skills and abilities all or most of the time

+ United Kingdom National Accounts + UK Output, Income and Expenditure

Annual

+ Economic Trends Annual Supplement + Financial Statistics Explanatory Handbook

relevant skills and abilities” to achieve an

+ Overseas Direct Investment (MA4)

improved rating

+ Share Ownership + UK Balance of Payments (Pink Book) + UK Input-Output Supply and Use Tables + UK National Accounts (Blue Book) + UK Trade in Services (UKA1)

30

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

31

Frequency

High Profile Regular Outputs – First Releases

Resource Accounts

Other Regular Outputs – Reports

Health and Care Monthly Quarterly Annual

Year ended 31 March 2000

+ Weekly Deaths in England and Wales + Health Statistics Quarterly + Births and Deaths – England and Wales

+ Abortion Statistics

+ Deaths – all ages; infant; perinatal

+ Cancer Registrations (MB1) + Congenital Anomalies (MB3)

34

Foreword to the Accounts

37

Statement of the Accounting Officer’s Responsibilities

38

Statement on the System of Internal Financial Control

40

Accounts

46

Notes to the Accounts

64

Accounts Direction

65

Audit Certificate

+ Mortality Statistics – cause (DH2) + Mortality Statistics – childhood, infant and perinatal (DH3) + Mortality Statistics – general (DH1) + Mortality Statistics – injury and poisoning (DH4)

Labour Market Monthly

+ Integrated Labour Market Statistics

+ Labour Market Trends

+ Regional Labour Market Statistics (11 releases)

Quarterly

+ Labour Force Survey quarterly supplement

Annual

+ Labour Force Survey historical supplement + New Earnings Survey (7 volumes)

Population and Migration Quarterly

+ Population Estimates (PE) – UK, mid-year

+ Population Trends

+ Births + Marriages and Divorces

Annual

+ International Migration (UK)

+ Birth Statistics (FM1)

+ Population Projections

+ International Migration (UK) (MN) + Key Population and Vital Statistics (PP1/VS) + Marriage, Divorce and Adoption Statistics (FM2) + Population Estimates for England and Wales

Social and Welfare Annual

+ Family Expenditure Survey

+ Electoral Statistics

+ UK Electoral Statistics – local government electors

+ Family Spending

+ Welsh Electoral Statistics

+ Living in Britain

Transport, Travel and Tourism Monthly

Overseas Travel and Tourism

Quarterly

+ Overseas Travel and Tourism (MQ6)

Annual

+ Travel Trends

Other + GSS Methodology Series (4 reports) + Survey Methodology Bulletin (six-monthly)

In addition, thirty six ad hoc publications were produced.

32

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

33

Frequency

High Profile Regular Outputs – First Releases

Resource Accounts

Other Regular Outputs – Reports

Health and Care Monthly Quarterly Annual

Year ended 31 March 2000

+ Weekly Deaths in England and Wales + Health Statistics Quarterly + Births and Deaths – England and Wales

+ Abortion Statistics

+ Deaths – all ages; infant; perinatal

+ Cancer Registrations (MB1) + Congenital Anomalies (MB3)

34

Foreword to the Accounts

37

Statement of the Accounting Officer’s Responsibilities

38

Statement on the System of Internal Financial Control

40

Accounts

46

Notes to the Accounts

64

Accounts Direction

65

Audit Certificate

+ Mortality Statistics – cause (DH2) + Mortality Statistics – childhood, infant and perinatal (DH3) + Mortality Statistics – general (DH1) + Mortality Statistics – injury and poisoning (DH4)

Labour Market Monthly

+ Integrated Labour Market Statistics

+ Labour Market Trends

+ Regional Labour Market Statistics (11 releases)

Quarterly

+ Labour Force Survey quarterly supplement

Annual

+ Labour Force Survey historical supplement + New Earnings Survey (7 volumes)

Population and Migration Quarterly

+ Population Estimates (PE) – UK, mid-year

+ Population Trends

+ Births + Marriages and Divorces

Annual

+ International Migration (UK)

+ Birth Statistics (FM1)

+ Population Projections

+ International Migration (UK) (MN) + Key Population and Vital Statistics (PP1/VS) + Marriage, Divorce and Adoption Statistics (FM2) + Population Estimates for England and Wales

Social and Welfare Annual

+ Family Expenditure Survey

+ Electoral Statistics

+ UK Electoral Statistics – local government electors

+ Family Spending

+ Welsh Electoral Statistics

+ Living in Britain

Transport, Travel and Tourism Monthly

Overseas Travel and Tourism

Quarterly

+ Overseas Travel and Tourism (MQ6)

Annual

+ Travel Trends

Other + GSS Methodology Series (4 reports) + Survey Methodology Bulletin (six-monthly)

In addition, thirty six ad hoc publications were produced.

32

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

33

Foreword to the Accounts Accounting boundary

Pension liabilities

The Office for National Statistics was formed on 1 April 1996 by the merger of

Employees of ONS are civil servants to whom the conditions of the

the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the Office of Population Censuses and

Superannuation Acts 1965 and 1972 and subsequent amendments apply. For

Surveys (OPCS). It is one of the Chancellor’s Departments and is also an Agency

the year ended 31 March 2000, contributions were paid to the Paymaster

in its own right. It is the only entity within the accounting boundary.

General at rates of 11.0% to 19.5% (according to grade) of salaries determined by the Government Actuary and advised by HM Treasury.

Aims and objectives ONS has a single Departmental aim which is to provide world-class statistical and

Management

registration services.

Ministerial responsibility for ONS during this financial year was exercised by the

It has two objectives: + to provide a trusted and authoritative statistical service in accordance with

Economic Secretary to the Treasury. From April 1999 to June 1999 this was Patricia Hewitt and, from July 1999 to March 2000, Melanie Johnson.

UK, EU and international requirements, to improve decision making,

The Director of ONS was Dr Tim Holt. The Board consists of the Director, four

stimulate research and inform debate within government and the wider

Board Directors and any one of the non-executive Directors.

community, and + to ensure the registration of key life events in order to protect and help individuals.

Dr. Holt was appointed in 1995 as Chief Executive of the Central Statistical Office and became Director of ONS at the time of merger with OPCS. His appointment was on a contract basis for a period of 3 years and was made as the result of an Open Competition. His contract was extended for a further 3 years

Principal activities ONS’s principal activities are the collection, analysis and dissemination of business, economic, socio-economic, health and population statistics, the production of social surveys, the census for England and Wales, maintenance of the National Health Service Central Register and the registration of births, deaths and marriages.

and terminated at his request on 31 March 2000.

Mr Alan Goldsmith acted as Director from 1 April 2000 until Mr Len Cook was appointed Director of ONS with effect from 25 May 2000. His appointment has been made on a contract basis for a period of three years and was made as the result of an Open Competition. Mr Cook was Chief Executive of Statistics New Zealand prior to this appointment.

Annual Report

Salaries for Board members are determined within parameters set by the Senior

The Annual Report covers the main developments during the year and those in

Salaries Review Body. Non-executive Directors are paid a flat fee plus expenses.

prospect for the following year.

Salary details are shown at Note 2 to the Accounts.

The main developments in 1999-2000 included making plans to improve our methodology, undertaking consultations to determine the requirements for the

Policy on disabled staff

civil registration service in the 21 century, preparing for the launch of National

ONS is committed to equal opportunities for disabled staff, including full

Statistics in June 2000 and the implementation of a new senior management

implementation of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. ONS has received

structure, including the identification of the new Director of ONS, Len Cook.

Employment Service approval for the use of the ‘Two Ticks’ symbol on stationery

Plans for 2000-01 include the launch of National Statistics, final preparations for the 2001 Census, the development of new statistical outputs, improving access to statistics, carrying forward modernisation of the civil registration service and

and advertisements to denote our positive approach to disability. We publish an annual Equal opportunities programme for action which includes action for staff with disabilities.

the ONS Efficiency Review.

34

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

35

Foreword to the Accounts Accounting boundary

Pension liabilities

The Office for National Statistics was formed on 1 April 1996 by the merger of

Employees of ONS are civil servants to whom the conditions of the

the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the Office of Population Censuses and

Superannuation Acts 1965 and 1972 and subsequent amendments apply. For

Surveys (OPCS). It is one of the Chancellor’s Departments and is also an Agency

the year ended 31 March 2000, contributions were paid to the Paymaster

in its own right. It is the only entity within the accounting boundary.

General at rates of 11.0% to 19.5% (according to grade) of salaries determined by the Government Actuary and advised by HM Treasury.

Aims and objectives ONS has a single Departmental aim which is to provide world-class statistical and

Management

registration services.

Ministerial responsibility for ONS during this financial year was exercised by the

It has two objectives: + to provide a trusted and authoritative statistical service in accordance with

Economic Secretary to the Treasury. From April 1999 to June 1999 this was Patricia Hewitt and, from July 1999 to March 2000, Melanie Johnson.

UK, EU and international requirements, to improve decision making,

The Director of ONS was Dr Tim Holt. The Board consists of the Director, four

stimulate research and inform debate within government and the wider

Board Directors and any one of the non-executive Directors.

community, and + to ensure the registration of key life events in order to protect and help individuals.

Dr. Holt was appointed in 1995 as Chief Executive of the Central Statistical Office and became Director of ONS at the time of merger with OPCS. His appointment was on a contract basis for a period of 3 years and was made as the result of an Open Competition. His contract was extended for a further 3 years

Principal activities ONS’s principal activities are the collection, analysis and dissemination of business, economic, socio-economic, health and population statistics, the production of social surveys, the census for England and Wales, maintenance of the National Health Service Central Register and the registration of births, deaths and marriages.

and terminated at his request on 31 March 2000.

Mr Alan Goldsmith acted as Director from 1 April 2000 until Mr Len Cook was appointed Director of ONS with effect from 25 May 2000. His appointment has been made on a contract basis for a period of three years and was made as the result of an Open Competition. Mr Cook was Chief Executive of Statistics New Zealand prior to this appointment.

Annual Report

Salaries for Board members are determined within parameters set by the Senior

The Annual Report covers the main developments during the year and those in

Salaries Review Body. Non-executive Directors are paid a flat fee plus expenses.

prospect for the following year.

Salary details are shown at Note 2 to the Accounts.

The main developments in 1999-2000 included making plans to improve our methodology, undertaking consultations to determine the requirements for the

Policy on disabled staff

civil registration service in the 21 century, preparing for the launch of National

ONS is committed to equal opportunities for disabled staff, including full

Statistics in June 2000 and the implementation of a new senior management

implementation of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. ONS has received

structure, including the identification of the new Director of ONS, Len Cook.

Employment Service approval for the use of the ‘Two Ticks’ symbol on stationery

Plans for 2000-01 include the launch of National Statistics, final preparations for the 2001 Census, the development of new statistical outputs, improving access to statistics, carrying forward modernisation of the civil registration service and

and advertisements to denote our positive approach to disability. We publish an annual Equal opportunities programme for action which includes action for staff with disabilities.

the ONS Efficiency Review.

34

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

35

Statement of the Accounting Officer’s Responsibilities Policy on equal opportunities

Under section 5 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 the Treasury

ONS is committed to the continued development of equal opportunities policies.

has directed the Office for National Statistics to prepare a Resource Account for

Its policies and practices on recruitment and promotion are based on the ability

each financial year in the form and on the basis set out in the Accounts Direction

of candidates to perform the job. Full and fair consideration is given to all

on page 64. The account is prepared on an accruals basis and must give a true

candidates without regard to issues of disablement, sex or ethnic origin.

and fair view of the Agency’s state of affairs at the year end and its income and expenditure and cash flows for the financial year.

Creditor Payment Policy ONS is committed to the CBI prompt payment code and aims to pay all invoices within 30 days of receipt of goods or presentation of a valid invoice, whichever is later. During 1999-2000, 98% of all valid invoices were paid within 30 days.

In preparing accounts, the Agency is required to: + observe the accounts direction issued by the Treasury, including the relevant accounting and disclosure requirements, and apply suitable accounting policies on a consistent basis;

Auditors

+ make judgements and estimates on a reasonable basis;

The accounts are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

+ state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, and disclose and explain any material departures in the financial statements + prepare the financial statements on the going-concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Agency will continue in operation.

The Treasury has appointed the Director of the Office for National Statistics as the Accounting Officer for the Department with responsibility for preparing the

L Cook 13th July 2000

Department’s Estimate.

The responsibilities of an Accounting Officer, include responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances for which an Accounting Officer is answerable, for keeping proper records and for safeguarding the Department’s assets, are set out in the Accounting Officers’ Memorandum, issued by the Treasury and published in Government Accounting.

36

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

37

Statement of the Accounting Officer’s Responsibilities Policy on equal opportunities

Under section 5 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 the Treasury

ONS is committed to the continued development of equal opportunities policies.

has directed the Office for National Statistics to prepare a Resource Account for

Its policies and practices on recruitment and promotion are based on the ability

each financial year in the form and on the basis set out in the Accounts Direction

of candidates to perform the job. Full and fair consideration is given to all

on page 64. The account is prepared on an accruals basis and must give a true

candidates without regard to issues of disablement, sex or ethnic origin.

and fair view of the Agency’s state of affairs at the year end and its income and expenditure and cash flows for the financial year.

Creditor Payment Policy ONS is committed to the CBI prompt payment code and aims to pay all invoices within 30 days of receipt of goods or presentation of a valid invoice, whichever is later. During 1999-2000, 98% of all valid invoices were paid within 30 days.

In preparing accounts, the Agency is required to: + observe the accounts direction issued by the Treasury, including the relevant accounting and disclosure requirements, and apply suitable accounting policies on a consistent basis;

Auditors

+ make judgements and estimates on a reasonable basis;

The accounts are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

+ state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, and disclose and explain any material departures in the financial statements + prepare the financial statements on the going-concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Agency will continue in operation.

The Treasury has appointed the Director of the Office for National Statistics as the Accounting Officer for the Department with responsibility for preparing the

L Cook 13th July 2000

Department’s Estimate.

The responsibilities of an Accounting Officer, include responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances for which an Accounting Officer is answerable, for keeping proper records and for safeguarding the Department’s assets, are set out in the Accounting Officers’ Memorandum, issued by the Treasury and published in Government Accounting.

36

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

37

Statement on the System of Internal Financial Control 1

This statement is given in respect of the Resource Account for the Office for

5

The effectiveness of the system of internal financial control is also informed

National Statistics. As Accounting Officer for the Office for National

by the work of the internal audit unit, the Audit Committee which oversees

Statistics, I acknowledge my responsibility for ensuring that an effective

the work of the unit, the executive managers within ONS who have

system of internal financial control is maintained and operated in connection

responsibility for the development and maintenance of the financial control

with the resources concerned.

framework, and comments made by the external auditors in their management letter and other reports.

2

The system can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance that assets are safeguarded, transactions authorised and properly recorded, and

6

ONS’s internal audit unit operates to standards defined in the Government

that material errors or irregularities are either prevented or would be

Internal Audit Manual. The work of the unit is informed by an analysis of the

detected within a timely period.

risk to which the body is exposed, and annual internal audit plans are based on this analysis. The analysis of risk and the internal audit plans are endorsed

3

4

During 1999-2000 a formal system of Corporate Governance assurances was

by the Audit Committee and approved by the Director of ONS. At least

introduced based on the guidance issued by HM Treasury. This requires

annually, the Head of Internal Audit (HIA) provides the Director of ONS with

individual Board members to provide the Director of ONS with written

a report on internal audit activity in ONS. The report includes the HIA’s

assurances on a variety of topics; they in turn taking assurances from their

independent opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of ONS’s system of

own managers as necessary.

internal financial control.

In addition to this overarching Corporate Governance framework, ONS’s

7

In last year’s statement we reported some weaknesses in the procurement

internal control system continues to rely on the traditional framework of

and management of consultancy projects. These have now been addressed.

regular management information, administrative procedures including the

During 1999-2000 our control mechanisms identified some weaknesses in

segregation of duties, and a system of delegation and accountability. In

the use of certain software licences. These have now been corrected.

particular, it includes: a

comprehensive budgeting systems with an annual budget which is reviewed and agreed by the Management Board;

b

regular reviews by the Board of periodic and annual financial reports which indicate financial performance against the forecasts;

c

the setting of targets to measure financial and other performance;

d

clearly-defined capital-investment-control guidelines; and

e

as appropriate, formal project management disciplines.

8

As Accounting Officer I am aware of the recommendations of the Turnbull Committee and I am taking reasonable steps to comply with the Treasury’s requirements for a Statement of Internal Control to be prepared for the year ended 31 March 2002 in accordance with the guidance issued by them.

L Cook 13 July 2000

38

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

39

Statement on the System of Internal Financial Control 1

This statement is given in respect of the Resource Account for the Office for

5

The effectiveness of the system of internal financial control is also informed

National Statistics. As Accounting Officer for the Office for National

by the work of the internal audit unit, the Audit Committee which oversees

Statistics, I acknowledge my responsibility for ensuring that an effective

the work of the unit, the executive managers within ONS who have

system of internal financial control is maintained and operated in connection

responsibility for the development and maintenance of the financial control

with the resources concerned.

framework, and comments made by the external auditors in their management letter and other reports.

2

The system can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance that assets are safeguarded, transactions authorised and properly recorded, and

6

ONS’s internal audit unit operates to standards defined in the Government

that material errors or irregularities are either prevented or would be

Internal Audit Manual. The work of the unit is informed by an analysis of the

detected within a timely period.

risk to which the body is exposed, and annual internal audit plans are based on this analysis. The analysis of risk and the internal audit plans are endorsed

3

4

During 1999-2000 a formal system of Corporate Governance assurances was

by the Audit Committee and approved by the Director of ONS. At least

introduced based on the guidance issued by HM Treasury. This requires

annually, the Head of Internal Audit (HIA) provides the Director of ONS with

individual Board members to provide the Director of ONS with written

a report on internal audit activity in ONS. The report includes the HIA’s

assurances on a variety of topics; they in turn taking assurances from their

independent opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of ONS’s system of

own managers as necessary.

internal financial control.

In addition to this overarching Corporate Governance framework, ONS’s

7

In last year’s statement we reported some weaknesses in the procurement

internal control system continues to rely on the traditional framework of

and management of consultancy projects. These have now been addressed.

regular management information, administrative procedures including the

During 1999-2000 our control mechanisms identified some weaknesses in

segregation of duties, and a system of delegation and accountability. In

the use of certain software licences. These have now been corrected.

particular, it includes: a

comprehensive budgeting systems with an annual budget which is reviewed and agreed by the Management Board;

b

regular reviews by the Board of periodic and annual financial reports which indicate financial performance against the forecasts;

c

the setting of targets to measure financial and other performance;

d

clearly-defined capital-investment-control guidelines; and

e

as appropriate, formal project management disciplines.

8

As Accounting Officer I am aware of the recommendations of the Turnbull Committee and I am taking reasonable steps to comply with the Treasury’s requirements for a Statement of Internal Control to be prepared for the year ended 31 March 2002 in accordance with the guidance issued by them.

L Cook 13 July 2000

38

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

39

Schedule 1

Schedule 2

Summary of Resource Outturn 1999-2000

Operating Cost Statement

1999-2000

1998-99

Indicative Estimate figures

Gross Expenditure 1 £000

A-in-A

Statistical & Register Services TOTAL RESOURCES

Administration Costs Staff costs Other administration costs

Net total Outturn compared with Estimate saving/ (excess) 7 £000

Prior year Outturn 8 £000

A-in-A*

2 £000

Gross Expenditure 4 £000

5 £000

NET TOTAL 6 £000

136,686

(32,993)

103,693

133,144

(31,188)

101,956

1,737

93,447

136,686

(32,993)

103,693

133,144

(31,188)

101,956

1,737

93,447

0

0

0

0

109,243

98,260

10,983

97,140

£000

£000

£000

103,693

101,956

1,737

NON OPERATING COST A-in-A

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

Note 2 Note 3

70,282 62,862

67,665 57,497

Note 4

133,144 (31,188)

125,162 (31,715)

101,956

93,447

0

0

Outturn

NET TOTAL 3 £000

NET CASH REQUIREMENT

for the year ended 31 March 2000

Gross Administration Costs Operating income Net Administration Costs Programme Costs NIL Net Operating Costs Add: operating income classified as CFER

Notes 6 & 7

101,956 0

93,447 0

Net Resource Outturn

Notes 6 & 7

101,956

93,447

Reconciliation of resources to cash requirement Net Total Resources

Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses for the year ended 31 March 2000 1999-2000

Capital: Purchase of fixed assets

Note 8

5,550

7,306

(1,756)

Capital element of finance lease payments

Note 21

280

474

(194)

Disposal of fixed assets

Note 10

Non Operating Cost A-in-A

0

(32)

32

0

0

0

Net gain on revaluation of tangible fixed assets

Note 17

1998-99

£000

£000

3,190

3,231

Accruals adjustments: Non-cash items

Note 3

0

(12,281)

12,281

Changes in working capital other than cash

Note 11

(1,068)

71

(1,139)

Payments from provision

Note 16

788

766

22

0

0

0

109,243

98,260

10,983

Excess cash to be CFERd Net Cash Requirement (Schedule 4)

Analysis of income payable to the Consolidated Fund In addition to appropriations-in-aid the following income relates to the department and is payable to the Consolidated Fund (cash receipts being shown in italics)

1999-2000 Forecast

1999-2000 Outturn

Income

Receipts

Income

Receipts

£'000s

£'000s

£'000s

£'000s

Income not classified as A-in-A

0

0

975

975

Income from the sale of assets not classified as A-in-A

0

0

0

0

0

0

975

975

* In the years prior to the introduction of Resource Estimates: the above figures for Estimates are illustrative: the references to “A-in-A” and “CFER” in Schedule 1 and relevant notes to the accounts do not apply for purposes of parliamentary control. The figures represent what will be classified as “A-in-A” and “CFER” following the introduction of Resource Estimates.

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41

Schedule 1

Schedule 2

Summary of Resource Outturn 1999-2000

Operating Cost Statement

1999-2000

1998-99

Indicative Estimate figures

Gross Expenditure 1 £000

A-in-A

Statistical & Register Services TOTAL RESOURCES

Administration Costs Staff costs Other administration costs

Net total Outturn compared with Estimate saving/ (excess) 7 £000

Prior year Outturn 8 £000

A-in-A*

2 £000

Gross Expenditure 4 £000

5 £000

NET TOTAL 6 £000

136,686

(32,993)

103,693

133,144

(31,188)

101,956

1,737

93,447

136,686

(32,993)

103,693

133,144

(31,188)

101,956

1,737

93,447

0

0

0

0

109,243

98,260

10,983

97,140

£000

£000

£000

103,693

101,956

1,737

NON OPERATING COST A-in-A

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

Note 2 Note 3

70,282 62,862

67,665 57,497

Note 4

133,144 (31,188)

125,162 (31,715)

101,956

93,447

0

0

Outturn

NET TOTAL 3 £000

NET CASH REQUIREMENT

for the year ended 31 March 2000

Gross Administration Costs Operating income Net Administration Costs Programme Costs NIL Net Operating Costs Add: operating income classified as CFER

Notes 6 & 7

101,956 0

93,447 0

Net Resource Outturn

Notes 6 & 7

101,956

93,447

Reconciliation of resources to cash requirement Net Total Resources

Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses for the year ended 31 March 2000 1999-2000

Capital: Purchase of fixed assets

Note 8

5,550

7,306

(1,756)

Capital element of finance lease payments

Note 21

280

474

(194)

Disposal of fixed assets

Note 10

Non Operating Cost A-in-A

0

(32)

32

0

0

0

Net gain on revaluation of tangible fixed assets

Note 17

1998-99

£000

£000

3,190

3,231

Accruals adjustments: Non-cash items

Note 3

0

(12,281)

12,281

Changes in working capital other than cash

Note 11

(1,068)

71

(1,139)

Payments from provision

Note 16

788

766

22

0

0

0

109,243

98,260

10,983

Excess cash to be CFERd Net Cash Requirement (Schedule 4)

Analysis of income payable to the Consolidated Fund In addition to appropriations-in-aid the following income relates to the department and is payable to the Consolidated Fund (cash receipts being shown in italics)

1999-2000 Forecast

1999-2000 Outturn

Income

Receipts

Income

Receipts

£'000s

£'000s

£'000s

£'000s

Income not classified as A-in-A

0

0

975

975

Income from the sale of assets not classified as A-in-A

0

0

0

0

0

0

975

975

* In the years prior to the introduction of Resource Estimates: the above figures for Estimates are illustrative: the references to “A-in-A” and “CFER” in Schedule 1 and relevant notes to the accounts do not apply for purposes of parliamentary control. The figures represent what will be classified as “A-in-A” and “CFER” following the introduction of Resource Estimates.

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41

Schedule 3

Balance Sheet

Schedule 4

Cash Flow Statement

as at 31 March 2000

1999-2000 £000

Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Intangible Assets

Notes 10 & 12 Note 9

£000

51,761 226

£000

Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors due within one year

Note 13 Note 14

Note 15

1998-99

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

£000

(90,512)

(90,481)

Capital expenditure and financial investment

(7,748)

(6,659)

49,945 275 51,987

for the year ended 31 March 2000

Net outflow from operating activities

50,220 Payments to the Consolidated Fund

(1,181)

0

5,716 282

5,123 722

Financing from the Consolidated Fund (Supply)

99,001

96,227

5,998

5,845

Decrease in cash in period

(440)

(913)

(3,430)

(3,334)

101,956

93,447

71

2,905

766

934

(12,281)

(6,805)

90,512

90,481

7,306

6,254

Proceeds of disposal of fixed assets

(32)

(10)

Capital element of finance lease payments

474

415

7,748

6,659

99,001

96,227

0

0

Decrease in Cash

440

913

Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts received and not paid over

975

1,181

Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts received in prior year paid over

(1,181)

0

Total cash requirement for the Department

99,235

98,321

(975)

(1,181)

98,260

97,140

Reconciliation of operating cost to operating cash flows Net Current Assets

2,568

2,511

54,555

52,731

Net Operating Cost Total Assets less Current Liabilities Creditors (due after more than one year) Provisions for early retirement

Note 16

– (3,026)

(60) (3,622)

Adjust for movements in working capital other than cash (see note 11) Adjust for payments from provision (see note 16)

(3,026)

(3,682)

51,529

49,049

Adjust for non-cash transactions (see note 3) Net cash outflow from operating activities Taxpayers’ Equity General Fund Revaluation Reserve

Notes 17 & 23 Note 17

45,524 6,005

45,898 3,151

Analysis of capital expenditure and financial investment

51,529

49,049

Purchase of fixed assets

Net capital expenditure

Anaysis of financing From Consolidated Fund (Supply) L Cook 13 July 2000

From Consolidated Fund (Non-Supply)

Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts to be surrendered Net cash requirement (Schedule 1)

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43

Schedule 3

Balance Sheet

Schedule 4

Cash Flow Statement

as at 31 March 2000

1999-2000 £000

Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Intangible Assets

Notes 10 & 12 Note 9

£000

51,761 226

£000

Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors due within one year

Note 13 Note 14

Note 15

1998-99

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

£000

(90,512)

(90,481)

Capital expenditure and financial investment

(7,748)

(6,659)

49,945 275 51,987

for the year ended 31 March 2000

Net outflow from operating activities

50,220 Payments to the Consolidated Fund

(1,181)

0

5,716 282

5,123 722

Financing from the Consolidated Fund (Supply)

99,001

96,227

5,998

5,845

Decrease in cash in period

(440)

(913)

(3,430)

(3,334)

101,956

93,447

71

2,905

766

934

(12,281)

(6,805)

90,512

90,481

7,306

6,254

Proceeds of disposal of fixed assets

(32)

(10)

Capital element of finance lease payments

474

415

7,748

6,659

99,001

96,227

0

0

Decrease in Cash

440

913

Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts received and not paid over

975

1,181

Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts received in prior year paid over

(1,181)

0

Total cash requirement for the Department

99,235

98,321

(975)

(1,181)

98,260

97,140

Reconciliation of operating cost to operating cash flows Net Current Assets

2,568

2,511

54,555

52,731

Net Operating Cost Total Assets less Current Liabilities Creditors (due after more than one year) Provisions for early retirement

Note 16

– (3,026)

(60) (3,622)

Adjust for movements in working capital other than cash (see note 11) Adjust for payments from provision (see note 16)

(3,026)

(3,682)

51,529

49,049

Adjust for non-cash transactions (see note 3) Net cash outflow from operating activities Taxpayers’ Equity General Fund Revaluation Reserve

Notes 17 & 23 Note 17

45,524 6,005

45,898 3,151

Analysis of capital expenditure and financial investment

51,529

49,049

Purchase of fixed assets

Net capital expenditure

Anaysis of financing From Consolidated Fund (Supply) L Cook 13 July 2000

From Consolidated Fund (Non-Supply)

Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts to be surrendered Net cash requirement (Schedule 1)

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43

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

Schedule 5

Analysis of changes in Net Debt At 1.4.99

Cash Obligations Total

Resources by Departmental Aim Cashflow

At 31.3.00

£000

Other Noncash changes £000

£000

£000

722

–

(440)

282

(277)

(197)

474

–

445

(197)

34

282

for the year ended 31 March 2000 1999-2000

1998-99

Gross £000

Income £000

Net £000

Gross £000

Income £000

Net £000

Objective 1 Statistical Services

111,091

(20,405)

90,686

104,632

(19,390)

85,242

Objective 2 Register Services

22,053

(10,783)

11,270

20,530

(12,325)

8,205

133,144

(31,188)

101,956

125,162

(31,715)

93,447

Departmental Aim

TOTAL

Note: There is no significant difference between the proportion of capital assets utilised by the two services.

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45

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

Schedule 5

Analysis of changes in Net Debt At 1.4.99

Cash Obligations Total

Resources by Departmental Aim Cashflow

At 31.3.00

£000

Other Noncash changes £000

£000

£000

722

–

(440)

282

(277)

(197)

474

–

445

(197)

34

282

for the year ended 31 March 2000 1999-2000

1998-99

Gross £000

Income £000

Net £000

Gross £000

Income £000

Net £000

Objective 1 Statistical Services

111,091

(20,405)

90,686

104,632

(19,390)

85,242

Objective 2 Register Services

22,053

(10,783)

11,270

20,530

(12,325)

8,205

133,144

(31,188)

101,956

125,162

(31,715)

93,447

Departmental Aim

TOTAL

Note: There is no significant difference between the proportion of capital assets utilised by the two services.

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45

Notes to the Account 1. Statement of accounting policies

1.3 Heritage assets

The accounts for the year ended 31 March 2000 have been prepared in

Statistical and registration information has built up over many years and is stored

accordance with an Accounts Direction issued by HM Treasury and the Treasury

for reference purposes. No attempt is made to value this data, as there is no

Resource Accounting Manual. The particular accounting policies adopted by the

realistic way of doing so which would arrive at a meaningful valuation.

Department are described below. They have been applied consistently in dealing with items considered material in relation to the accounts.

The cost of storing and maintaining the data has been charged to the Operating Cost Statement as incurred.

The different requirements of the Resource Accounting Manual have resulted in some prior year figures being different from those in the 1998-99 published

1.4 Stocks

Agency Account.

ONS holds a small stock of publications and CD-ROMs for resale. Their value is not material and is not included on the Balance Sheet. Production costs and

1.1 Accounting convention

sales income are charged to the Operating Cost Statement.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to account for the revaluation of fixed assets at their value to the business by

1.5 Depreciation

reference to their current costs.

Civil Estate land is not depreciated.

1.2 Fixed assets Tangible assets include land and buildings, computers and associated equipment, in-house developed software, vehicles, office machinery, furniture and fittings.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write-off the revalued cost or the valuation of assets by equal instalments over their estimated useful lives down to a residual value, as follows; + Computers

4-7 years

+ Office machinery/furniture & fittings

4-10 years

+ Motor vehicles

5 years

+ Buildings and refurbishment

Remaining life of lease

Intangible assets consist of proprietary software.

With the exception of PCs and office furniture, individual assets must exceed a capitalisation threshold for inclusion as fixed assets.

PCs and office furniture items falling below the threshold are capitalised as groups.

1.6 Assets in course of construction This consists of certain property related expenditure and the development of in-

ONS owns no land but rents accommodation at Drummond Gate and

house bespoke software. It is valued at the lower of cost, including appropriate

Myddelton Place in London and at Lancaster Court in Titchfield.

overheads and net realisable value and capitalised on completion.

Civil Estate property is occupied in Newport, Titchfield, Christchurch, Southport and Runcorn. The land and buildings have been restated at current cost using professional valuations every 5 years and appropriate indices in intervening years. The next professional valuation is due to take place during 2000-01.

1.7 Research & development ONS undertakes certain research into statistical and survey methodology. Costs are charged to the Operating Cost Statement as they arise.

Other tangible assets have been stated at current cost by using indices taken from the ONS publication Price Index Numbers for Current Cost Accounting.

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47

Notes to the Account 1. Statement of accounting policies

1.3 Heritage assets

The accounts for the year ended 31 March 2000 have been prepared in

Statistical and registration information has built up over many years and is stored

accordance with an Accounts Direction issued by HM Treasury and the Treasury

for reference purposes. No attempt is made to value this data, as there is no

Resource Accounting Manual. The particular accounting policies adopted by the

realistic way of doing so which would arrive at a meaningful valuation.

Department are described below. They have been applied consistently in dealing with items considered material in relation to the accounts.

The cost of storing and maintaining the data has been charged to the Operating Cost Statement as incurred.

The different requirements of the Resource Accounting Manual have resulted in some prior year figures being different from those in the 1998-99 published

1.4 Stocks

Agency Account.

ONS holds a small stock of publications and CD-ROMs for resale. Their value is not material and is not included on the Balance Sheet. Production costs and

1.1 Accounting convention

sales income are charged to the Operating Cost Statement.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to account for the revaluation of fixed assets at their value to the business by

1.5 Depreciation

reference to their current costs.

Civil Estate land is not depreciated.

1.2 Fixed assets Tangible assets include land and buildings, computers and associated equipment, in-house developed software, vehicles, office machinery, furniture and fittings.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write-off the revalued cost or the valuation of assets by equal instalments over their estimated useful lives down to a residual value, as follows; + Computers

4-7 years

+ Office machinery/furniture & fittings

4-10 years

+ Motor vehicles

5 years

+ Buildings and refurbishment

Remaining life of lease

Intangible assets consist of proprietary software.

With the exception of PCs and office furniture, individual assets must exceed a capitalisation threshold for inclusion as fixed assets.

PCs and office furniture items falling below the threshold are capitalised as groups.

1.6 Assets in course of construction This consists of certain property related expenditure and the development of in-

ONS owns no land but rents accommodation at Drummond Gate and

house bespoke software. It is valued at the lower of cost, including appropriate

Myddelton Place in London and at Lancaster Court in Titchfield.

overheads and net realisable value and capitalised on completion.

Civil Estate property is occupied in Newport, Titchfield, Christchurch, Southport and Runcorn. The land and buildings have been restated at current cost using professional valuations every 5 years and appropriate indices in intervening years. The next professional valuation is due to take place during 2000-01.

1.7 Research & development ONS undertakes certain research into statistical and survey methodology. Costs are charged to the Operating Cost Statement as they arise.

Other tangible assets have been stated at current cost by using indices taken from the ONS publication Price Index Numbers for Current Cost Accounting.

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47

1.8 Operating income

1.14 Early departure costs

Operating income comprises the invoiced value of services supplied to the

ONS is required to meet the additional cost of benefits beyond the normal

private sector, the wider public sector and other Government Departments.

PCSPS benefits in respect of employees who retire early. ONS provides in full for

Prices are calculated in accordance with the Treasury Guide to Fees and Charges

these costs whenever there is commitment to early retirements. ONS may, in

and aim to recover the full economic cost of their production.

certain circumstances, settle some or all of its liability in advance by making a payment to the Paymaster General’s account at the Bank of England for credit to

1.9 Leases

the Civil Superannuation Vote. The amount provided is shown net of any such

Assets held under finance leases are included under tangible fixed assets at their

payments.

capital value and depreciated over their useful economic lives. Leasing payments consist of capital and interest elements and the interest is charged to the Operating Cost Statement. Rentals due under operating leases are charged over the lease term on a straight-line basis or on the basis of actual rentals payable where this fairly reflects usage.

1.10 Administrative & programme expenditure ONS has no programme expenditure; all expenditure falls under administration.

1.11 Capital charge The financing structure of ONS does not include specific interest-bearing debt, but to ensure that the Operating Cost Statement bears an appropriate charge for the use of capital in the business in the year, a notional interest charge is included. In accordance with Treasury guidance, the calculation is based on a 6% rate of return on average net assets employed at current values.

1.12 Foreign exchange Transactions which are denominated in a foreign currency are translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling on the date of each transaction.

Where material, assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling at the Balance Sheet date.

1.13 Pensions Past and present employees are covered by the provisions of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) which is non-contributory and unfunded.

Although the Scheme is a defined benefit scheme, liability for payment of future benefits is a charge to the PCSPS. Departments, Agencies and other bodies covered by the PCSPS meet the cost of pension cover provided for the staff they employ by payment of charges calculated on an accruing basis. There is a separate scheme statement for the PCSPS as a whole.

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49

1.8 Operating income

1.14 Early departure costs

Operating income comprises the invoiced value of services supplied to the

ONS is required to meet the additional cost of benefits beyond the normal

private sector, the wider public sector and other Government Departments.

PCSPS benefits in respect of employees who retire early. ONS provides in full for

Prices are calculated in accordance with the Treasury Guide to Fees and Charges

these costs whenever there is commitment to early retirements. ONS may, in

and aim to recover the full economic cost of their production.

certain circumstances, settle some or all of its liability in advance by making a payment to the Paymaster General’s account at the Bank of England for credit to

1.9 Leases

the Civil Superannuation Vote. The amount provided is shown net of any such

Assets held under finance leases are included under tangible fixed assets at their

payments.

capital value and depreciated over their useful economic lives. Leasing payments consist of capital and interest elements and the interest is charged to the Operating Cost Statement. Rentals due under operating leases are charged over the lease term on a straight-line basis or on the basis of actual rentals payable where this fairly reflects usage.

1.10 Administrative & programme expenditure ONS has no programme expenditure; all expenditure falls under administration.

1.11 Capital charge The financing structure of ONS does not include specific interest-bearing debt, but to ensure that the Operating Cost Statement bears an appropriate charge for the use of capital in the business in the year, a notional interest charge is included. In accordance with Treasury guidance, the calculation is based on a 6% rate of return on average net assets employed at current values.

1.12 Foreign exchange Transactions which are denominated in a foreign currency are translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling on the date of each transaction.

Where material, assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling at the Balance Sheet date.

1.13 Pensions Past and present employees are covered by the provisions of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) which is non-contributory and unfunded.

Although the Scheme is a defined benefit scheme, liability for payment of future benefits is a charge to the PCSPS. Departments, Agencies and other bodies covered by the PCSPS meet the cost of pension cover provided for the staff they employ by payment of charges calculated on an accruing basis. There is a separate scheme statement for the PCSPS as a whole.

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49

2. Staff numbers and costs A

Name and title

Staff costs consist of:

Wages and salaries

1999-2000

1998-99 £000

Total

56,256

Total

Officials

£000 NonExecutive Board Members

58,645

58,639

6

Mr Alan GOLDSMITH

Social security costs

4,032

4,031

1

4,067

Other pension costs

7,605

7,605

–

7,342

TOTAL

70,282

70,275

7

67,665

For 1999-2000 contributions of £7,604,785 (1998-99 £7,341,992) were paid to the PCSPS at rates determined by the Government Actuary and advised by the Treasury. These rates were in the range 11-19.5 per cent of pensionable pay.

B

The average number of full-time equivalent persons employed (including senior management) during the year was as follows:

OBJECTIVE 1 Statistical Services

1998-99

NUMBER

NUMBER

2,453

2,432

Mr Dennis ROBERTS

654

650

3,107

3,082

Real increase in pension at age 60

£000

£000

Total accrued pension at age 60 at 31 March 2000 £000

51

50-55

0-2.5

0-5

51

60-65

0-2.5

25-30

53

30-35

0-2.5

10-15

Board Member until 31 August 1999 (note 3)

Dr John FOX Board Member until 15 August 1999 (note 4)

Notes: 1. Included in the salary costs is £45,000 which relates to compensation in lieu of notice.

2. Salary costs relate to the period from 13 September 1999 until 31 March 2000.

3. Salary costs relate to the period 1 April 1999 until 31 January 2000.

4. Salary costs relate to the period 1 April 1999 until 15 August 1999.

Renumeration £

Gwen Batchelor

3,500

John Beaumont

1,750

Janet Finch 2 Register Services

Salary (as defined below)

Board Member from 13 September 1999 (note 2)

Non-executive Directors

1999-2000

Age

875

Non-executive Directors are paid a flat fee plus expenses.

TOTAL

C

The salary and pension entitlements of the most senior managers of the Department were as follows:

Name and title

Dr Tim HOLT

Age

56

Salary (as defined below)

Real increase in pension at age 60

£000

£000

Total accrued pension at age 60 at 31 March 2000 £000

105-110

0-2.5

5-10

Director, Registrar General and Head of Government Statistical Service

Mr John PULLINGER

Salaries include gross salaries, performance bonuses payable, reserved rights to London Weighting or London allowances, recruitment and retention allowances and private office allowances. It does not include the estimated monetary value of benefits in kind.

40

65-70

0-2.5

15-20

58

120-125

0-2.5

25-30

56

80-85

2.5-5

25-30

Board Member

Mr Julian CALDER

Pension benefits are provided through the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS). This is a statutory scheme which provides benefits on a ‘final salary’ basis at a normal retirement age of 60.

Benefits accrue at the rate of 1/80th of pensionable salary for each year of service. In addition, a lump sum equivalent to 3 years' pension is payable on retirement. Members pay contributions of 1.5 per cent of pensionable earnings. Pensions increase in payment in line with the Retail Prices Index. On death, pensions are payable to the surviving spouse at a rate of half the member's pension. On death in service the scheme pays a lump sum benefit of twice pensionable pay and also provides a service enhancement on computing the spouse's pension. The enhancement depends on length of service and cannot exceed 10 years. Medical retirement is possible in the event of serious ill-health. In this case, pensions are brought into payment immediately without actuarial reduction and with service enhanced as for widow(er) pensions.

The information given above relates to the Director and all members of the Management Board for the Office for National Statistics, including those who may have vacated their positions during the financial year 1999-2000.

Board Member (note 1)

Mr John KIDGELL Board Member

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2. Staff numbers and costs A

Name and title

Staff costs consist of:

Wages and salaries

1999-2000

1998-99 £000

Total

56,256

Total

Officials

£000 NonExecutive Board Members

58,645

58,639

6

Mr Alan GOLDSMITH

Social security costs

4,032

4,031

1

4,067

Other pension costs

7,605

7,605

–

7,342

TOTAL

70,282

70,275

7

67,665

For 1999-2000 contributions of £7,604,785 (1998-99 £7,341,992) were paid to the PCSPS at rates determined by the Government Actuary and advised by the Treasury. These rates were in the range 11-19.5 per cent of pensionable pay.

B

The average number of full-time equivalent persons employed (including senior management) during the year was as follows:

OBJECTIVE 1 Statistical Services

1998-99

NUMBER

NUMBER

2,453

2,432

Mr Dennis ROBERTS

654

650

3,107

3,082

Real increase in pension at age 60

£000

£000

Total accrued pension at age 60 at 31 March 2000 £000

51

50-55

0-2.5

0-5

51

60-65

0-2.5

25-30

53

30-35

0-2.5

10-15

Board Member until 31 August 1999 (note 3)

Dr John FOX Board Member until 15 August 1999 (note 4)

Notes: 1. Included in the salary costs is £45,000 which relates to compensation in lieu of notice.

2. Salary costs relate to the period from 13 September 1999 until 31 March 2000.

3. Salary costs relate to the period 1 April 1999 until 31 January 2000.

4. Salary costs relate to the period 1 April 1999 until 15 August 1999.

Renumeration £

Gwen Batchelor

3,500

John Beaumont

1,750

Janet Finch 2 Register Services

Salary (as defined below)

Board Member from 13 September 1999 (note 2)

Non-executive Directors

1999-2000

Age

875

Non-executive Directors are paid a flat fee plus expenses.

TOTAL

C

The salary and pension entitlements of the most senior managers of the Department were as follows:

Name and title

Dr Tim HOLT

Age

56

Salary (as defined below)

Real increase in pension at age 60

£000

£000

Total accrued pension at age 60 at 31 March 2000 £000

105-110

0-2.5

5-10

Director, Registrar General and Head of Government Statistical Service

Mr John PULLINGER

Salaries include gross salaries, performance bonuses payable, reserved rights to London Weighting or London allowances, recruitment and retention allowances and private office allowances. It does not include the estimated monetary value of benefits in kind.

40

65-70

0-2.5

15-20

58

120-125

0-2.5

25-30

56

80-85

2.5-5

25-30

Board Member

Mr Julian CALDER

Pension benefits are provided through the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS). This is a statutory scheme which provides benefits on a ‘final salary’ basis at a normal retirement age of 60.

Benefits accrue at the rate of 1/80th of pensionable salary for each year of service. In addition, a lump sum equivalent to 3 years' pension is payable on retirement. Members pay contributions of 1.5 per cent of pensionable earnings. Pensions increase in payment in line with the Retail Prices Index. On death, pensions are payable to the surviving spouse at a rate of half the member's pension. On death in service the scheme pays a lump sum benefit of twice pensionable pay and also provides a service enhancement on computing the spouse's pension. The enhancement depends on length of service and cannot exceed 10 years. Medical retirement is possible in the event of serious ill-health. In this case, pensions are brought into payment immediately without actuarial reduction and with service enhanced as for widow(er) pensions.

The information given above relates to the Director and all members of the Management Board for the Office for National Statistics, including those who may have vacated their positions during the financial year 1999-2000.

Board Member (note 1)

Mr John KIDGELL Board Member

50

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

51

3. Other administrative costs

4. Operating income 1999-2000 £000

Rentals under operating leases

£000

1998-99 £000

404

1999-2000

£000

Appropriated in aid

Total

£000

Not Appropriated in aid £000

Administration income

1,234

–

1,234

Sales of Registration certificates

5,698

–

5,698

Other Register services

4,902

–

4,902

Sales of statistical data

9,998

–

9,998

Provision of social surveys

9,356

–

9,356

31,188

–

31,188

102 Operating income analysed between:

£000

Non cash items Depreciation

8,557

4,485

140

202

3,015

2,507

Auditor’s remuneration & expenses

32

31

Return on investments and servicing of finance

13

3

170

559

–

(1,390)

Loss on disposal of fixed assets Cost of capital charge

Provision for early departure costs Reclassification of Assets Treasury funded early retirement

354

Travel and subsistence

12,281

408

An analysis of income from services provided to external and public sector customers is as follows: 6,805

4,822

4,429

146

118

External £000

Public Sector £000

Total £000

10

1,234

1,244

Statistical services

4,827

14,514

19,341

Register services

5,814

4,789

10,603

10,651

20,537

31,188

Administration income Hospitality Consultancy

4,048

3,230

Contractual payments

5,955

4,400

Interviewers’ fees

8,298

8,013

Information technology

5,886

6,697

Accommodation

9,320

13,268

Note: The administration income relates to rent from other departments with regard to the shared sites at Newport, Drummond Gate and Myddelton Place.

1998-99 Other expenditure

11,702

45,209 62,862

10,435

46,043

Appropriated in aid

Total

£000

Not Appropriated in aid £000

5,191

–

5,191

17,009

–

17,009

9,515

–

9,515

31,715

–

31,715

57,497 Operating income analysed between: Sales of Registration certificates Sales of statistical data Provision of social surveys

£000

Of which £17,334,000 was received from other Government Departments and Health Authorities.

Note: Due to a structuring of ONS’s output codes it is not possible to display the same amount of detail for 1998/99.

52

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

53

3. Other administrative costs

4. Operating income 1999-2000 £000

Rentals under operating leases

£000

1998-99 £000

404

1999-2000

£000

Appropriated in aid

Total

£000

Not Appropriated in aid £000

Administration income

1,234

–

1,234

Sales of Registration certificates

5,698

–

5,698

Other Register services

4,902

–

4,902

Sales of statistical data

9,998

–

9,998

Provision of social surveys

9,356

–

9,356

31,188

–

31,188

102 Operating income analysed between:

£000

Non cash items Depreciation

8,557

4,485

140

202

3,015

2,507

Auditor’s remuneration & expenses

32

31

Return on investments and servicing of finance

13

3

170

559

–

(1,390)

Loss on disposal of fixed assets Cost of capital charge

Provision for early departure costs Reclassification of Assets Treasury funded early retirement

354

Travel and subsistence

12,281

408

An analysis of income from services provided to external and public sector customers is as follows: 6,805

4,822

4,429

146

118

External £000

Public Sector £000

Total £000

10

1,234

1,244

Statistical services

4,827

14,514

19,341

Register services

5,814

4,789

10,603

10,651

20,537

31,188

Administration income Hospitality Consultancy

4,048

3,230

Contractual payments

5,955

4,400

Interviewers’ fees

8,298

8,013

Information technology

5,886

6,697

Accommodation

9,320

13,268

Note: The administration income relates to rent from other departments with regard to the shared sites at Newport, Drummond Gate and Myddelton Place.

1998-99 Other expenditure

11,702

45,209 62,862

10,435

46,043

Appropriated in aid

Total

£000

Not Appropriated in aid £000

5,191

–

5,191

17,009

–

17,009

9,515

–

9,515

31,715

–

31,715

57,497 Operating income analysed between: Sales of Registration certificates Sales of statistical data Provision of social surveys

£000

Of which £17,334,000 was received from other Government Departments and Health Authorities.

Note: Due to a structuring of ONS’s output codes it is not possible to display the same amount of detail for 1998/99.

52

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

53

5. Administration cost limit

7. Analysis of net resource outturn and net operating cost by function

The outturn shown against individual administration cost limits is: 1999-2000 1999-2000

1998-99

Outturn £000

Limits £000

Outturn £000

Limits £000

Statistical Services

90,686

92,235

85,242

88,897

Register Services

11,270

11,458

8,205

8,556

101,956

103,693

93,447

97,453

Net Operating Cost

Gross control area Net control area EC receipts

operating income not classified as A-in-A and not in public expenditure (Note 4) Resource Budget Outturn Less: non supply expenditure in resource budget expenditure financed by EU receipts Add: Supply expenditure outside resource budget operating income not classified as A-in-A but within public expenditure Net Resource Outturn (subject to supply procedures) Note 7

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

114,196

771

–

(11,530)

103,437

18,177

–

–

(18,703)

(526)

–

–

–

(955)

(955)

132,373

771

–

(31,188)

101,956

Non-Supply expenditure

–

Non A-in-A operating income

–

Net operating Cost

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

101,956

93,447

101,956

1998-99

£000

Other current £000

Current grants £000

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

103,962

1,791

–

(12,509)

93,244

19,409

–

–

(19,206)

203

123,371

1,791

–

(31,715)

93,477

Admin

Less: supply and other expenditure outside resource budget Add: expenditure financed by EU receipts

Current grants £000

Admin

Resource Outturn

6. Reconciliation of net operating cost to control total and net resource outturn

£000

Other current £000

771

1,791

–

–

102,727

95,238

(771)

(1,791)

–

–

101,956

93,447

Gross control area Net control area Resource Outturn Non-Supply expenditure

–

Non A-in-A operating income

–

Net operating Cost

93,447

For ONS all supply expenditure is within the control total (resource budget) and no expenditure is financed other than by requests for resources.

54

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

55

5. Administration cost limit

7. Analysis of net resource outturn and net operating cost by function

The outturn shown against individual administration cost limits is: 1999-2000 1999-2000

1998-99

Outturn £000

Limits £000

Outturn £000

Limits £000

Statistical Services

90,686

92,235

85,242

88,897

Register Services

11,270

11,458

8,205

8,556

101,956

103,693

93,447

97,453

Net Operating Cost

Gross control area Net control area EC receipts

operating income not classified as A-in-A and not in public expenditure (Note 4) Resource Budget Outturn Less: non supply expenditure in resource budget expenditure financed by EU receipts Add: Supply expenditure outside resource budget operating income not classified as A-in-A but within public expenditure Net Resource Outturn (subject to supply procedures) Note 7

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

114,196

771

–

(11,530)

103,437

18,177

–

–

(18,703)

(526)

–

–

–

(955)

(955)

132,373

771

–

(31,188)

101,956

Non-Supply expenditure

–

Non A-in-A operating income

–

Net operating Cost

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

101,956

93,447

101,956

1998-99

£000

Other current £000

Current grants £000

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

103,962

1,791

–

(12,509)

93,244

19,409

–

–

(19,206)

203

123,371

1,791

–

(31,715)

93,477

Admin

Less: supply and other expenditure outside resource budget Add: expenditure financed by EU receipts

Current grants £000

Admin

Resource Outturn

6. Reconciliation of net operating cost to control total and net resource outturn

£000

Other current £000

771

1,791

–

–

102,727

95,238

(771)

(1,791)

–

–

101,956

93,447

Gross control area Net control area Resource Outturn Non-Supply expenditure

–

Non A-in-A operating income

–

Net operating Cost

93,447

For ONS all supply expenditure is within the control total (resource budget) and no expenditure is financed other than by requests for resources.

54

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ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

55

8. Analysis of capital expenditure, financial investment and associated A-in-A

9. Intangible fixed assets Total £000

1999-2000 Capital expenditure £000

Loans etc £000

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

Valuation at 1 April 1999

403

Additions

45

Net additions

Notes 9 & 10

5,077

–

–

5,077

Revaluation

(42)

Assets under construction

Note 12

2,229

–

–

2,229

Valuation at 31 March 2000

406

7,306

–

–

7,306

Depreciation provision at 1 April 1999

128

Total A-in-A income from disposal of fixed assets

(32) 7,274

1998-99

Net additions Assets under construction Total A-in-A income from disposal of fixed assets

Capital expenditure £000

Loans etc £000

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

8,229

(210)

–

8,019

–

–

–

0

8,229

(210)

–

8,019

Charged in year

65

Revaluation

(13)

Depreciation provision at 31 March 2000

180

Net Book Value at Current Cost at 31 March 2000

226

At 1 April 1999

275

10. Tangible fixed assets Land and Buildings £000

Computers £000

Motor Vehicles £000

Office Machinery £000

Furniture & Fittings £000

TOTAL £000

35,056

20,458

161

3,157

2,620

61,452

Additions

204

3,783

43

533

469

5,032

Transfers from Assets under construction

594

209

0

0

0

803

0

(382)

(38)

(19)

0

(439)

3,207

(2,054)

(1)

41

113

1,306

39,061

22,014

165

3,712

3,202

68,154

Depreciation provision at 1 April 1999

2,459

8,646

69

947

369

12,490

Charged in year

1,688

4,556

32

518

432

7,226

Disposals (note)

0

(243)

(19)

(5)

0

(267)

144

(817)

0

11

15

(647)

4,291

12,142

82

1,471

816

18,802

Net Book Value at Current Cost at 31 March 2000

34,770

9,872

83

2,241

2,386

49,352

At 1 April 1999

32,597

11,812

92

2,210

2,251

48,962

(10) 8,009 Valuation at 1 April 1999

Disposals (note) Revaluation Valuation at 31 March 2000

Revaluation Depreciation provision at 31 March 2000

Note: Assets to the value of £439,000 were disposed of during 1999-2000. These assets had a net book value of £172,000 for which £32,000 was received leaving £140,000 to be charged to the Opening Cost Statement.

56

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

57

8. Analysis of capital expenditure, financial investment and associated A-in-A

9. Intangible fixed assets Total £000

1999-2000 Capital expenditure £000

Loans etc £000

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

Valuation at 1 April 1999

403

Additions

45

Net additions

Notes 9 & 10

5,077

–

–

5,077

Revaluation

(42)

Assets under construction

Note 12

2,229

–

–

2,229

Valuation at 31 March 2000

406

7,306

–

–

7,306

Depreciation provision at 1 April 1999

128

Total A-in-A income from disposal of fixed assets

(32) 7,274

1998-99

Net additions Assets under construction Total A-in-A income from disposal of fixed assets

Capital expenditure £000

Loans etc £000

A-in-A £000

Net Total £000

8,229

(210)

–

8,019

–

–

–

0

8,229

(210)

–

8,019

Charged in year

65

Revaluation

(13)

Depreciation provision at 31 March 2000

180

Net Book Value at Current Cost at 31 March 2000

226

At 1 April 1999

275

10. Tangible fixed assets Land and Buildings £000

Computers £000

Motor Vehicles £000

Office Machinery £000

Furniture & Fittings £000

TOTAL £000

35,056

20,458

161

3,157

2,620

61,452

Additions

204

3,783

43

533

469

5,032

Transfers from Assets under construction

594

209

0

0

0

803

0

(382)

(38)

(19)

0

(439)

3,207

(2,054)

(1)

41

113

1,306

39,061

22,014

165

3,712

3,202

68,154

Depreciation provision at 1 April 1999

2,459

8,646

69

947

369

12,490

Charged in year

1,688

4,556

32

518

432

7,226

Disposals (note)

0

(243)

(19)

(5)

0

(267)

144

(817)

0

11

15

(647)

4,291

12,142

82

1,471

816

18,802

Net Book Value at Current Cost at 31 March 2000

34,770

9,872

83

2,241

2,386

49,352

At 1 April 1999

32,597

11,812

92

2,210

2,251

48,962

(10) 8,009 Valuation at 1 April 1999

Disposals (note) Revaluation Valuation at 31 March 2000

Revaluation Depreciation provision at 31 March 2000

Note: Assets to the value of £439,000 were disposed of during 1999-2000. These assets had a net book value of £172,000 for which £32,000 was received leaving £140,000 to be charged to the Opening Cost Statement.

56

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

57

11. Movements in working capital other than cash

13. Debtors

1999-2000

1998-99

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

£000

£000

2,124

1,883

45

270

946

404

2,518

2,420

5,633

4,977

83

146

5,716

5,123

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

722

1,635

(440)

(913)

282

722

204

668

78

54

282

722

Amounts falling due within one year Increase/(Decrease) in debtors

Note 13

593

415

Increase/(Decrease in creditors

Note 15

(522)

1,309

71

1,724

Trade debtors Deposits and advances Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income

Amounts falling due after more than one year

12. Assets under construction

Deposits and advances

In-house software projects £000

Buildings refurbishment £000

TOTAL £000

Opening Balance at 1 April 1999

491

492

983

In Year Expenditure

373

1,856

2,229

(209)

(594)

(803)

655

1,754

2,409

Transfers to Fixed Assets Closing Balance at 31 March 2000

14. Cash at bank and in hand

Balance at 1 April Net cash inflow: Department Payable to the Consolidated Fund Balance at 31 March

The Office of HM Paymaster General provides a current account banking service. The following balances were held on 31 March 2000 Balances at OPG Commercial banks and cash in hand

58

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

59

11. Movements in working capital other than cash

13. Debtors

1999-2000

1998-99

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

£000

£000

2,124

1,883

45

270

946

404

2,518

2,420

5,633

4,977

83

146

5,716

5,123

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

722

1,635

(440)

(913)

282

722

204

668

78

54

282

722

Amounts falling due within one year Increase/(Decrease) in debtors

Note 13

593

415

Increase/(Decrease in creditors

Note 15

(522)

1,309

71

1,724

Trade debtors Deposits and advances Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income

Amounts falling due after more than one year

12. Assets under construction

Deposits and advances

In-house software projects £000

Buildings refurbishment £000

TOTAL £000

Opening Balance at 1 April 1999

491

492

983

In Year Expenditure

373

1,856

2,229

(209)

(594)

(803)

655

1,754

2,409

Transfers to Fixed Assets Closing Balance at 31 March 2000

14. Cash at bank and in hand

Balance at 1 April Net cash inflow: Department Payable to the Consolidated Fund Balance at 31 March

The Office of HM Paymaster General provides a current account banking service. The following balances were held on 31 March 2000 Balances at OPG Commercial banks and cash in hand

58

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

59

15. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

17. Reserves Taxpayers Equity

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

293

421

Balance at 1 April 1999

45,898

Trade creditors

25

202

Net voted expenditure

99,001

Other creditors

48

38

2,089

1,272

0

220

2,455

2,153

975

1,181

3,430

3,334

Tax & social security

Accruals and deferred income Net obligations under finance lease (see note)

Cash balance payable to the Consolidated Fund

Note: The movement in creditors, net of capital creditors, is £522,000.

1999-2000 £000

£000

1999/2000 CFERs

(975)

Reclassification of obligations

(181)

Non cash items: Interest on working capital Audit fee Treasury funded early retirement

3,015 32 354

3,401

Transfer to general fund in respect of realised element of revaluation reserve

336

Net expenditure

(101,956)

Balance at 31 March 2000

45,524

Revaluation Reserve 1999-2000

16. Provisions for early retirement and pensions Early departure costs £000

Balance at 1 April 1999 Increase in provision (net)

3,622 170

Payments made

(766)

Balance at 31 March 2000

3,026

60

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

£000

Balance at 1 April 1999

3,151

Arising on revaluation during the course of the year (net)

3,190

Transfer to general fund in respect of realised element of revaluation reserve

(336)

Revaluation reserve at 31 March 2000

6,005

The revaluation reserve reflects the unrealised element of the cumulative balance of indexation and revaluation adjustments.

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

61

15. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

17. Reserves Taxpayers Equity

1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

293

421

Balance at 1 April 1999

45,898

Trade creditors

25

202

Net voted expenditure

99,001

Other creditors

48

38

2,089

1,272

0

220

2,455

2,153

975

1,181

3,430

3,334

Tax & social security

Accruals and deferred income Net obligations under finance lease (see note)

Cash balance payable to the Consolidated Fund

Note: The movement in creditors, net of capital creditors, is £522,000.

1999-2000 £000

£000

1999/2000 CFERs

(975)

Reclassification of obligations

(181)

Non cash items: Interest on working capital Audit fee Treasury funded early retirement

3,015 32 354

3,401

Transfer to general fund in respect of realised element of revaluation reserve

336

Net expenditure

(101,956)

Balance at 31 March 2000

45,524

Revaluation Reserve 1999-2000

16. Provisions for early retirement and pensions Early departure costs £000

Balance at 1 April 1999 Increase in provision (net)

3,622 170

Payments made

(766)

Balance at 31 March 2000

3,026

60

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

£000

Balance at 1 April 1999

3,151

Arising on revaluation during the course of the year (net)

3,190

Transfer to general fund in respect of realised element of revaluation reserve

(336)

Revaluation reserve at 31 March 2000

6,005

The revaluation reserve reflects the unrealised element of the cumulative balance of indexation and revaluation adjustments.

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

61

18. Capital commitments

22. Contingent liabilities 1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

1,953

504

1,953

504

Contracted capital commitments at 31 March 2000 for which no provision has been made

ONS has no substantial contingent liabilities at 31 March 2000.

23. Reconciliation of net operating cost to changes in general fund 1999-2000 £000

19. Commitments under operating leases

Net operating cost for the year (Schedule 2) 1999-2000 Land and Buildings £000

Other £000

1998-99 Land and Buildings £000

Other £000

At 31 March 2000 ONS was committed to making the following payments during the next year in respect of operating leases expiring within:

Reclassifications

0

0

0

102

2-5 years

0

0

0

0

3,435

0

3,315

0

3,435

0

3,315

102

1998-99 £000

£000

(101,956)

(93,447)

(975)

(1,181)

(102,931)

(94,628)

(181)

Net parliamentary funding

1 year

after 5 years

Income not appropriated in aid paid to Consolidated Fund

£000

99,001

Transfer to general fund in respect of realised element of revaluation reserve (Note 17)

96,227

336

Non-cash charges: cost of capital auditor’s remuneration Treasury funded early retirement costs

3,015

2,507

32

31

354

408 3,401

2,946

(374)

4,545

45,898

41,354

45,524

45,899

20. Other commitments Net increase in general fund ONS has a non-cancellable contract with Computer Associates (which is not an operating lease) for computer services totalling £2,692,000 as at 31 March 2000.

General fund at 1 April General fund at 31 March (Schedule 3)

21. Finance lease and hire purchase obligations 1999-2000

24. Related party transactions

£000

ONS has had various material transactions with other Government Departments and other central Balance outstanding at 1 April 1999

280

Reclassification (Note 1)

181

In year payments Charged to Operating Costs

(474) 13

Government bodies. Most of these transactions have been with HM Treasury and the Departments of Health; Environment, Transport and the Regions; Trade & Industry and Education & Employment.

During the period reported on, none of the Board Members, members of the key management staff or other related parties had undertaken any material transactions with ONS. One senior manager is seconded to EUROSTAT, where he is spearheading its corporate planning

Balance at 31 March 2000

0

programme. He is not in a position to influence the awarding of contracts to ONS.

Notes: 1. Reclassification relates to NUMA-Q servers purchased in 1997 under a hire purchase agreement.

2. The Finance lease having been completed, has been renewed as an operating lease.

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63

18. Capital commitments

22. Contingent liabilities 1999-2000

1998-99

£000

£000

1,953

504

1,953

504

Contracted capital commitments at 31 March 2000 for which no provision has been made

ONS has no substantial contingent liabilities at 31 March 2000.

23. Reconciliation of net operating cost to changes in general fund 1999-2000 £000

19. Commitments under operating leases

Net operating cost for the year (Schedule 2) 1999-2000 Land and Buildings £000

Other £000

1998-99 Land and Buildings £000

Other £000

At 31 March 2000 ONS was committed to making the following payments during the next year in respect of operating leases expiring within:

Reclassifications

0

0

0

102

2-5 years

0

0

0

0

3,435

0

3,315

0

3,435

0

3,315

102

1998-99 £000

£000

(101,956)

(93,447)

(975)

(1,181)

(102,931)

(94,628)

(181)

Net parliamentary funding

1 year

after 5 years

Income not appropriated in aid paid to Consolidated Fund

£000

99,001

Transfer to general fund in respect of realised element of revaluation reserve (Note 17)

96,227

336

Non-cash charges: cost of capital auditor’s remuneration Treasury funded early retirement costs

3,015

2,507

32

31

354

408 3,401

2,946

(374)

4,545

45,898

41,354

45,524

45,899

20. Other commitments Net increase in general fund ONS has a non-cancellable contract with Computer Associates (which is not an operating lease) for computer services totalling £2,692,000 as at 31 March 2000.

General fund at 1 April General fund at 31 March (Schedule 3)

21. Finance lease and hire purchase obligations 1999-2000

24. Related party transactions

£000

ONS has had various material transactions with other Government Departments and other central Balance outstanding at 1 April 1999

280

Reclassification (Note 1)

181

In year payments Charged to Operating Costs

(474) 13

Government bodies. Most of these transactions have been with HM Treasury and the Departments of Health; Environment, Transport and the Regions; Trade & Industry and Education & Employment.

During the period reported on, none of the Board Members, members of the key management staff or other related parties had undertaken any material transactions with ONS. One senior manager is seconded to EUROSTAT, where he is spearheading its corporate planning

Balance at 31 March 2000

0

programme. He is not in a position to influence the awarding of contracts to ONS.

Notes: 1. Reclassification relates to NUMA-Q servers purchased in 1997 under a hire purchase agreement.

2. The Finance lease having been completed, has been renewed as an operating lease.

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ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

63

Accounts Direction Given by the Treasury in Accordance with Section 5 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 The Office for National Statistics shall prepare resource accounts for the year ended 31 March 2000 in compliance with the accounting principles and disclosure requirements of the HM Treasury Resource Accounting Manual (the Resource Accounting Manual) which is in force for that financial year.

Office for National Statistics Executive Agency

The Certificate and Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General to the House of Commons I certify that I have audited the financial statements on pages 40 to 63 under the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed assets and the accounting policies set out on pages 46 to 49.

The accounts shall be prepared so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the department at 31 March 2000 and the net resource outturn,

Respective responsibilities of the accounting officer and auditor

resources applied to objectives, recognised gains and losses and cash flows for

As described on page 37 the accounting officer is responsible for the

the financial year then ended.

preparation of the financial statements and for ensuring the regularity of financial

Compliance with the requirements of the Resource Accounting Manual will, in all but exceptional circumstances, be necessary for the accounts to give a true and fair view. If, in these exceptional circumstances, compliance with the requirements of the Resource Accounting Manual is inconsistent with the

transactions. The accounting officer is also responsible for the preparation of the other contents of the Annual report. My responsibilities, as independent auditor, are established by statute and guided by the Auditing Practices Board and the auditing profession’s ethical guidance.

requirement to give a true and fair view the requirements of the Resource

I report my opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair

Accounting Manual should be departed from only to the extent necessary to

view and are properly prepared in accordance with the Exchequer and Audit

give a true and fair view. In such cases, informed and unbiased judgement

Departments Act 1921 and Treasury directions made thereunder, and whether in

should be used to devise an appropriate alternative treatment which should be

all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied to the

consistent both with the economic characteristics of the circumstances

purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the

concerned and the spirit of the Resource Accounting Manual. Any material

authorities which govern them. I also report if, in my opinion, the Foreword is

departure from the Resource Accounting Manual should be discussed in the first

not consistent with the financial statements, if the Agency has not kept proper

instance with the Treasury.

accounting records, or if I have not received all the information and explanations I require for my audit.

B Glicksman Treasury Officer of Accounts 30 June 2000

I read the other information contained in the Annual Report, and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. I consider the implications for my certificate if I become aware of any apparent mis-statements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.

I review whether the statement on pages 38 and 39 reflects the Agency’s compliance with Treasury’s guidance ‘Corporate governance: statement on the system of internal financial control’. I report if it does not meet the requirements specified by the Treasury, or if the statement is misleading or inconsistent with other information I am aware of from my audit of the financial statements.

Basis of opinion I conducted my audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts, disclosures and regularity of financial transactions included in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the Agency in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Agency’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

64

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

65

Accounts Direction Given by the Treasury in Accordance with Section 5 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 The Office for National Statistics shall prepare resource accounts for the year ended 31 March 2000 in compliance with the accounting principles and disclosure requirements of the HM Treasury Resource Accounting Manual (the Resource Accounting Manual) which is in force for that financial year.

Office for National Statistics Executive Agency

The Certificate and Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General to the House of Commons I certify that I have audited the financial statements on pages 40 to 63 under the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed assets and the accounting policies set out on pages 46 to 49.

The accounts shall be prepared so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the department at 31 March 2000 and the net resource outturn,

Respective responsibilities of the accounting officer and auditor

resources applied to objectives, recognised gains and losses and cash flows for

As described on page 37 the accounting officer is responsible for the

the financial year then ended.

preparation of the financial statements and for ensuring the regularity of financial

Compliance with the requirements of the Resource Accounting Manual will, in all but exceptional circumstances, be necessary for the accounts to give a true and fair view. If, in these exceptional circumstances, compliance with the requirements of the Resource Accounting Manual is inconsistent with the

transactions. The accounting officer is also responsible for the preparation of the other contents of the Annual report. My responsibilities, as independent auditor, are established by statute and guided by the Auditing Practices Board and the auditing profession’s ethical guidance.

requirement to give a true and fair view the requirements of the Resource

I report my opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair

Accounting Manual should be departed from only to the extent necessary to

view and are properly prepared in accordance with the Exchequer and Audit

give a true and fair view. In such cases, informed and unbiased judgement

Departments Act 1921 and Treasury directions made thereunder, and whether in

should be used to devise an appropriate alternative treatment which should be

all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied to the

consistent both with the economic characteristics of the circumstances

purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the

concerned and the spirit of the Resource Accounting Manual. Any material

authorities which govern them. I also report if, in my opinion, the Foreword is

departure from the Resource Accounting Manual should be discussed in the first

not consistent with the financial statements, if the Agency has not kept proper

instance with the Treasury.

accounting records, or if I have not received all the information and explanations I require for my audit.

B Glicksman Treasury Officer of Accounts 30 June 2000

I read the other information contained in the Annual Report, and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. I consider the implications for my certificate if I become aware of any apparent mis-statements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.

I review whether the statement on pages 38 and 39 reflects the Agency’s compliance with Treasury’s guidance ‘Corporate governance: statement on the system of internal financial control’. I report if it does not meet the requirements specified by the Treasury, or if the statement is misleading or inconsistent with other information I am aware of from my audit of the financial statements.

Basis of opinion I conducted my audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts, disclosures and regularity of financial transactions included in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the Agency in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Agency’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

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ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

65

I planned and performed my audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which I considered necessary in order to provide me with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by error, or by fraud or other irregularity and that, in all material respects, the expenditure and income have been applied to the purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. In forming my opinion I have also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion In my opinion: + the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Office for National Statistics at 31 March 2000 and of the net resource outturn, resources applied to objectives, recognised gains and losses, and cash flows for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 and the directions made thereunder by the Treasury; and + in all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied to the purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them.

I have no observations to make on these financial statements

John Bourn Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road Victoria LONDON SW1W 9SP 18 July 2000

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ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

67

I planned and performed my audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which I considered necessary in order to provide me with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by error, or by fraud or other irregularity and that, in all material respects, the expenditure and income have been applied to the purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. In forming my opinion I have also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion In my opinion: + the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Office for National Statistics at 31 March 2000 and of the net resource outturn, resources applied to objectives, recognised gains and losses, and cash flows for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 and the directions made thereunder by the Treasury; and + in all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied to the purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them.

I have no observations to make on these financial statements

John Bourn Comptroller and Auditor General National Audit Office 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road Victoria LONDON SW1W 9SP 18 July 2000

66

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

67

“Because we are impartial we have the confidence to say that our statistics are both accurate and unbiased.”

Richard Morton – Adoptions Deputy Manager General Register Office, Southport

Printed in the UK for The Stationery Office Limited on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office Dd5069411, 7/00, 5673, Job No.TJ2220

68

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

>

“Because we are impartial we have the confidence to say that our statistics are both accurate and unbiased.”

Richard Morton – Adoptions Deputy Manager General Register Office, Southport

Printed in the UK for The Stationery Office Limited on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office Dd5069411, 7/00, 5673, Job No.TJ2220

68

ONS Annual Report & Accounts 1999-2000

>