The UK Statistics Authority and HM Treasury have today announced that they will be extending the time period for the current joint consultation on the future of the Retail Prices Index, in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

With businesses and individuals focused on mitigating the challenges that this public health and economic emergency has created, the UK Statistics Authority and HM Treasury agree that they cannot currently conclude a meaningful consultation on this matter.

The new closing date for the consultation will be 21 August. We will continue to accept responses throughout the extended period. The Authority will resume proactive engagement, including events, as circumstances allow. A response to the consultation will now be published in Autumn 2020.

An exchange of letters between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Sir David Norgrove, Chair of the UK Statistics Authority on this matter is available below.

Related Links:

Sir David Norgrove to Chancellor of the Exchequer (April 2020)

Chancellor of the Exchequer to Sir David Norgrove (April 2020)

Consultation on the Reform to Retail Prices Index (RPI) Methodology