No obfuscation in ONS statement

From Mr Derek Bird.

Sir, Tim Harford criticises the outcome of the recent consultation into the retail prices index (“Lies, damned lies and Greek statistics”, Since you asked, January 26). There is no obfuscation in the National Statistician’s statement. It says that the retail price index does not meet international standards, which is why the Office for National Statistics is developing a new measure – RPIJ.

Should the government want to use a different, better, measure than the RPI it will be able to use RPIJ from next month. Indeed, the ONS already produces a range of indicators, including the consumer prices index, and users can choose whichever they think best meets their needs. The consultation’s conclusion adds to users’ knowledge about quality. Whether the RPI continues to be used for pensions and bonds is a choice for users, not the ONS.

Derek Bird, Head of Prices Division, Office for National Statistics