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10 May 2007

The Statistics and Registration Service Bill

The Statistics and Registration Service Bill was introduced in the Commons on 21 November 2006 and published on 22 November 2006. The Bill was introduced in the Lords on 14 March 2007.

High quality statistics are vital for effective government, and are a key resource for business, academia and the wider community. Following a full public consultation, this Bill is intended to reinforce the independence, integrity and quality of statistics produced in government. This will help improve evidence-based policy making, contributing to better public services and long-term stability in the UK economy.

The Bill will create a new independent Board, outside of Ministerial control, which will be constituted by a majority of external, non-executive, members. The Board will have a statutory responsibility to promote and safeguard the quality and comprehensiveness of official statistics. The Board's responsibilities will extend across the UK, covering England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Bill will also establish proper employment status and rights for registration officers (as local authority employees) in England and Wales.

Update of Legislative process:

The Parliament website maps progress through the House of Commons and House of Lords, with links to the Hansard record for each of the key-stage debates.

Related links:

Legislation index