Uses and users of the DWP abstract of statistics
Updated 24 January 2024
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Introduction
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) annually publish key statistics on the main aspects of Benefits Uprating and Indices of Price Inflation and Earnings Growth.
The abstract is released annually, and contains National Statistics on current and historical indices of inflation and earnings, and benefit rates. The purpose of the publication is to provide a reference source for people interested in benefit uprating and the value of benefits compared to prices and earnings. Each new publication updates all previously released information, it comprises:
- publication summary – with background information showing the latest benefit uprating methodology
- spreadsheet tables – these tables provide the user with access to the underlying indices and benefit rates for further analysis
Known uses of the Abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics
DWP heard from users of the Abstract during both of our 2009 and 2019 consultations into the future of this publication. As a result, we know the abstract is used by DWP, Parliament, academia, local authorities and the general public:
- as a reference source to describe how benefits have been uprated across time
- to show the real value of benefit rates across time
Users specifically mentioned the authoritative nature of the abstract and the helpful presentation of all the relevant numbers in one volume.
Valid uses of DWP Abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics
The Abstract of DWP benefit rate statistics can be used for:
- understanding DWP benefit uprating history
- obtaining a time series of benefit rates
- providing direct links and/or instructions to all previously published elements
It should not be used for:
- RPI, ROSSI, New ROSSI and CPI time series (available in the data tables). These series should be obtained from the main Office for National Statistics source.
- the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) time series (available in the data tables). This series should be obtained from the main Office for National Statistics source.
Areas of Unmet Need
There are no known areas of unmet need. Previously, customers have sometimes requested access to the underlying spreadsheet. From July 2012, these are provided as part of the standard release.
How to comment and get involved
DWP would like to hear your views on our statistical publications. If you use any of our statistics publications, we would be interested in hearing what you use them for and how well they meet your requirements. Please email DWP at [email protected] or complete the ongoing questionnaire.
In addition to these, DWP use a number of routes to seek user views. For example:
- National Statistics consultations are run for large proposed changes
- new statistics are developed in conjunction with groups of stakeholders to help understand and quality assure output
- monitoring the usage of the DWP website and Stat-xplore via google analytics
- monitoring ad hoc analysis requests
Ad hoc comments are also welcome. Please provide such comments to: [email protected]
For all other enquiries please contact the appropriate person for each statistics release.