Economic statistics sector classification – classification update and forward work plan: July 2023

Our economic statistics are produced in accordance with international rules and guidance. Central to this are the rules set out in the United Nations System of National Accounts (SNA) 2008, the European System of Accounts (ESA) 2010 and the accompanying Manual on Government Deficit and Debt (MGDD) 2019. These include rules on classifying statistical units (organisations or bodies) and the transactions they engage in. A summary of these, and our approach to their application, can be found on our Economic statistics classifications web page.

Our Forward work plan dataset (XLSX, 130.0KB) sets out the organisations and transactions that we expect to assess and classify in the next 12 to 18 months. Please note that classification priorities can change quickly, and the expected dates of completion are only indicative at the time of publication.

There is high demand for classification assessments, and we progress many active cases at the same time, with new cases often arising. These include confidential assessments of government and devolved administration policy proposals, as explained in our Classification process methodology.

We do not announce or discuss such policy proposal assessments to give policymakers the space to develop policy. As with other classification decisions, when a policy is implemented, it will be classified and included in the Public sector classification guide dataset (XLSX, 630.1KB). 

This month, we have transferred to the new more transparent and accessible format of our Public sector classification guide. If you have any comments on the new structure, please email us at econstats.classifications@ons.gov.uk.

The forward work plan does not cover all cases that will arise over the next 12 to 18 months. Cases that are likely to have a smaller statistical and policy impact will be assessed as resources allow. The cases scheduled in this article have been prioritised because of the impact they will have on important statistics, and their importance to public policy.

There are no additions to the forward work plan this month and one deletion, Consumer Scotland.

Consumer Scotland

Consumer Scotland is an independent statutory body established by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020. Consumer Scotland advocates on behalf of consumers in Scotland, represents their interests, and provides advice to consumers.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has assessed the classification status of Consumer Scotland and concluded that it is an institutional unit, which is subject to public sector control. Public sector control exists for reasons including that all of Consumer Scotland's members are appointed by the Scottish Ministers.

The assessment also concluded that Consumer Scotland is a non-market producer, as it is majority funded by grant-in-aid from the Scottish Government. As such, Consumer Scotland has been classified to the central government subsector (S.1311), with effect from 1 April 2022, the date on which it was established.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is a ministerial department created in September 2020, following the merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID).

In accordance with SNA 2008, 4.136 and ESA 2010, 2.114, FCDO has been classified to the central government subsector (S.1311), as a ministerial department with a remit that extends across the economic territory of the UK. This decision is effective from 2 September 2020, the date on which the department was established.

Oak National Academy

Oak National Academy provides free, optional digital curriculum resources for teachers and pupils across the UK. The ONS has assessed the classification status of Oak National Academy and concluded that it is an institutional unit, which is subject to public sector control. Public sector control exists for reasons including that the board of directors comprises between five and eleven persons, and the Secretary of State for Education has the power to appoint up to five directors. The directors may co-opt up to four directors, with the prior approval of the Secretary of State for Education.

The assessment also concluded that Oak National Academy is a non-market producer, as it is a provider of free resources, being funded by grant-in-aid from the Department for Education.

As such, Oak National Academy has been classified to the central government subsector (S.1311). This decision is effective from 23 August 2022, the date on which special resolutions were passed to change the name of the company and to approve and adopt new articles of association.

Department for International Development

The Department for International Development (DFID) was a ministerial department until 2 September 2020, when it merged with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to form the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Therefore, DFID is a disbanded public sector body from 2 September 2020.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) was established as a ministerial department in October 1968. On 2 September 2020, FCO merged with the Department for International Development (DFID) to form the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Therefore, FCO is a disbanded public sector body from 2 September 2020.