User needs from producer price inflation statistics

We undertook a user engagement exercise to better understand user needs for producer price inflation statistics with the aim of refining and rationalising the published outputs. This took place from 20 March to 22 May 2024 and was part of our continuous improvement strategy. 

A summary of the questions asked and the proposed changes to existing outputs presented alongside this exercise can be found in the related documents found attached to the overview section of this webpage. 

Benefits to users 

We believe the actions we are taking to refine, simplify and rationalise our outputs will make them better for our users and us. They will: 

• make our datasets more focused 

• easier to find 

• easier to access 

• easier to produce 

• and free up capacity in our team to develop statistical products to meet new or emerging needs 

We would like to thank all respondents for taking part in the engagement exercise and appreciate the time taken to share their views. 

The exercise received responses from representatives of businesses, industry bodies, central and local government, academia, and individuals responding in a personal capacity. 

The following key comments emerged: 

• improvements to the documentation we provide on Quality and Methodology Information (QMI), including metadata for the proposed new datasets and an understanding of the current index hierarchy 

• improvements to the structure and format of datasets 

• expanded commentary within the monthly statistical bulletin 

• publication of monthly services producer price indices (SPPIs) 

• greater granularity in the published datasets, including publication of item level data and the weights used to aggregate to the 6-digit index level 

The purpose of this engagement exercise was to gain a better understanding of user needs for producer price inflation statistics. This ensures changes made to future publications and accompanying data better meet these needs. 

We have concluded that the new outputs will be an improvement compared with the current datasets and will better meet the needs of most of our users.  

Over the next 6-to-12-month period, we will: 

• begin publication of improved datasets once the proposals have been updated to take account of the feedback received. This will include: 

• merging some of our existing datasets which present the same or similar information 

• reducing the total number of separate datasets 

• removing duplications of information and series 

• removing unnecessary data and information 

• introducing data and information which adds to the quality of our statistical outputs and datasets 

To help users adjust to using the datasets in their new format there will be a transitionary period which will be communicated with users. We will also: 

• publish an updated version of our quality and methodology information (QMI) which will reflect our current methods and strengths, limitations, and appropriate uses of the data we create and publish. We will include metadata for the proposed new datasets and an understanding of the index hierarchy.  
   

• continue to review our data and methods as part of our strategy for continued improvement, consulting users as appropriate. 

We have noted that users want expanded commentary and more regular publication of SPPI data. These are beyond the scope of the current set of changes and improvements we are undertaking. However, we will consider these requests as part of planning for future development work.  

For details of all the feedback received and what we are doing in response, please see our response summary.