Assessment report documentation

You asked

Assessment report number 79 on inflation figures, published December 2010, concluded: "... the statistics are readily accessible, produced according to sound methods and managed impartially and objectively in the public interest".

Yet Assessment report 246, March 2013, marked a turning point: the RPI ceased to be favourably viewed.

Please supply me all the documents seen by the assessment team as part of each review.

We said

Thank you for your request.

Please find all documentation in scope of your request in the associated downloads. These are separated into the reports referenced in your request.

Some information has been withheld from the documents provided under s.40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 as it is considered personal information.

Some documentation has also been withheld in full under s.41(1) of FOIA as it was obtained from a third party and to release the information to the public would constitute an actionable breach of confidence. This is an absolute exemption, and no consideration of the public interest test is required.

Some documentation has also been withheld in full under s.36(2)(b)(i) of FOIA. This exemption relates to withholding information if disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the free and frank provision of advice. Officials need a safe space so that the provision of expert advice on market sensitive matters are protected. It is our view that releasing certain information would prejudice the candour and openness involved in providing such advice, and in this instance would have a chilling effect on such exchanges in the future.

The use of the s.36 exemption requires the application of the public interest test. The main arguments in favour of disclosure are transparency and public accountability. RPI and inflation measures are very current and are highly reported upon in the media.

In favour of withholding the information, we are ensuring that we have a safe space for current and future discussions that involve the provision of advice. We are ensuring that the quality of advice provided, particularly around potentially market sensitive subjects, is maintained and that we are able to regulate and carry out our statistical functions effectively, both of which would not be in the public interest if affected.