Trusted and reliable statistics form one of the foundations of an effective democracy.
Official statistics are also a building block for open and transparent government, effective public administration, and efficient operation of the economy and society.
They provide everyone in the wider community with the statistical information, analysis and advice they need to improve decision making, inform debate and stimulate research.
Official statistics are used to:
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inform parliaments and political assemblies about the state of the nation and provide a window on the work and performance of governments. This allows them to assess the impact of their policies over time and between different areas
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provide ministers with a picture of the economy and society, enabling them to formulate economic and social policies and to monitor and evaluate their delivery
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permit government and its agencies, at all levels, to carry out their business efficiently and effectively and make informed decisions based on evidence
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provide citizens with a view of society and of the work and performance of government. Statistics show the scale of government activity in every area of public policy, allowing the impact of government policies and actions to be assessed
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furnish businesses with a statistical service that promotes the effective and efficient functioning of industry and commerce
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assist analysts, researchers, scholars and students with their work and studies
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meet the needs of the European Union and other international bodies for international comparisons of data
