Notes to the Accounts
1. Statement of Accounting Policies and Accounting Convention
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards. The 2025/26 Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) applies International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), adapted or interpreted for the public sector. Where the FReM permits a choice of accounting policy, the accounting policy which is judged to be most appropriate to the particular circumstances of the UK Statistics Authority for the purpose of giving a true and fair view has been selected. The particular policies adopted by the Authority are described below. They have been applied consistently in dealing with items that are considered material to the accounts.
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention modified to account for the revaluation of property, plant and equipment and in-house software.
The Authority is primarily resourced by funds approved by the House of Commons through the annual Appropriation Act. Resources are drawn down each month to meet expenditure requirements and are credited to the General Fund. The functional currency for the UK Statistics Authority is pounds sterling.
Going concern
The Authority anticipates continued funding to promote and safeguard the production of official statistics that serve the public good, as evidenced by the future financing of the Authority’s liabilities, annually approved by Parliament via the passing of the Supply and Appropriation (Main Estimates) Act and the Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) Act. This is sufficient evidence that the Authority remains a going concern in accordance with the continuity of service principle outlined within the FReM. Furthermore, the Authority has received its settlement through the multi-year Spending Review 2025 which sets organisational budgets across government to 2028/29.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (PPE) assets include computers, and associated equipment, office machinery, and furniture and fittings. PPE assets are re-valued from the beginning of the quarter of acquisition. These assets are stated at current costs by using indices taken from the Authority’s publication Price Index Numbers for Current Cost Accounting. PPE assets must exceed the capitalisation threshold of £5,000 (excluding VAT) and have a life greater than one year.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets consist of software licenses and in-house developed software. Software licenses are not re-valued and are included at depreciated historical cost. In-house developed software assets are reviewed annually for impairment which may lead to a re-valuation. In-house developed software assets must exceed a capitalisation threshold of £50,000 (excluding VAT) and have a life greater than one year.
Software Licences must exceed a capitalisation threshold of £5,000 (excluding VAT) and have a life greater than one year.
A contract that provides access to cloud-based software is generally expensed. However, in some limited circumstances it could be determined the Authority controls a software intangible asset which will require capitalisation. Features of a cloud computing arrangement that may indicate that the Authority obtains control of a software intangible asset include:
- exclusive rights to use the software; or
- ownership of the intellectual property for customised software – i.e. the supplier cannot make the software available to other customers.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is calculated to write off the re-valued cost of assets over the estimated useful economic life on a straight-line basis using the following guide:
- Right of Use Assets – Over the term of the lease
- Computer assets – Between 3 and 7 years
- Office machinery – Between 4 and 7 years
- Furniture and fittings – Between 4 and 10 years
- In-house developed software – Between 2 and 6 years
- Software licences – Over the full term of the subscription
- Leasehold Improvements – Over the term of the lease
An asset disposal is actioned when the economic benefits have been fully realised. All intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment.
Assets in the course of construction
Assets under construction are capitalised as appropriate (where meeting the requirements of IAS 16 or IAS 38) and transferred out of assets under construction into the relevant category of PPE or intangibles on completion.
Research and development
The Authority undertakes certain research into statistical and survey methodology. Costs are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Net Expenditure as they arise.
As required under European System of Accounts (ESA) 10, research and development costs are charged to Capital within the Statement of Parliamentary Supply. The reconciliation between the Statement of Comprehensive Net Expenditure and the Statement of Parliamentary Supply (SOPS) is shown at SOPS Note 2.
Revenue from contracts with customers
Under IFRS 15, key judgements in determining the recognition and timing of revenue recognition are identified at the point when:
- control of goods and services is transferred under contractual arrangements and services to the customer; and
- performance obligations are satisfied, whether at a point in time or over time.
Most of the Authority’s performance obligations relate to services satisfied over time and driven by costs incurred to ensure continuation of survey related services. Other contracts will be explicit in stating performance obligation milestones, where this exists revenue is recognised over time when those obligations are met.
The Authority applies the five-stage model for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers:
- Step 1 – Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
- Step 2 – Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
- Step 3 – Determine the transaction price.
- Step 4 – Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
- Step 5 – Recognise revenue when the Authority satisfies a performance obligation.
The application of the model depends on the facts and circumstances presented in a contract with a customer and requires the exercise of judgement. Revenue related to performance obligations recognised over time as the service is rendered is measured by reference to the input (resources consumed in satisfying a performance obligation) method.
Leases
The Authority has elected not to recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities for the following leases:
- intangible assets;
- non-lease components of contracts where applicable;
- low value assets (these are determined to be in line with capitalisation thresholds on Property, Plant and Equipment)
- leases with a lease term of 12 months or less.
At inception of a contract, the Authority assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time. This includes assets for which there is no consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Authority assesses whether:
- The contract involves the use of an identified asset;
- The Authority has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the period of use;
and
- The Authority has the right to direct the use of the asset.
The Authority assesses whether it is reasonably certain to exercise extension options or not to exercise break options at the lease commencement date. The Authority reassesses this if there are significant events or changes in circumstances, within its control that were not anticipated at the lease commencement.
Right of use assets
The Authority recognises a right of use asset and lease liability at the commencement date. The right of use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for initial direct costs, prepayments or incentives, and costs related to restoration at the end of a lease.
The right of use asset is depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the lease term. Whilst the authority applies a straight-line depreciation method to its right of use assets, a periodic review is undertaken to adjust and align depreciation to any variable lease payments over time.
Lease liabilities
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate provided by HM Treasury (HMT) for that calendar year. The HMT discount rates were 0.95% for 2022, 3.51% for 2023, 4.72% for 2024, 4.81% for 2025, and 5.32% for 2026.
The lease payment is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is re-measured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in the index or rate, if there is a change in the Authority’s estimates of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Authority changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension, or termination option.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following:
- Fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments
- Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index rate as at the commencement date
- Amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee
- The exercise price under a purchase option that the Authority is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Authority is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Authority is reasonably certain not to terminate early.
When the lease liability is re-measured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the right of use asset or recorded in the Statement of Comprehensive Net Expenditure if the carrying amount of the right of use asset is zero.
Provisions
The Authority provides for legal or constructive obligations which are of uncertain timing or amount at the Statement of Financial Position date on the basis of best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of time value is significant, provisions are discounted using the discount rates published by HM Treasury. These provisions are reviewed each year in accordance with IAS 37. IAS 37 defines and specifies the accounting for and disclosure of provisions, contingent liabilities, and contingent assets.
The Authority recognises a provision if it is probable that an outflow of cash or other economic resources will be required to settle the provision. If an outflow is not probable, the item is treated as a contingent liability.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are recognised at their amortised cost less expected credit losses in accordance with IFRS 9. Expected credit losses are based on the Authority’s expectation of recovery at the year end.
Staff costs
Under IAS19 Employee Benefits, all staff costs must be recorded as an expense as soon as the organisation is obliged to pay them. This includes the cost of any untaken leave at the year end.
Staff costs include wages and salaries, social security costs and pension costs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Authority holds balances of cash and cash equivalents in a readily realised form; these include cash balances, shopping vouchers and postage stamps. Any amounts held in a foreign currency are translated into sterling at the exchange rate on the date of reporting.
VAT
Irrecoverable VAT is charged to the relevant expenditure category or included in the capitalised purchase cost of assets. Where output VAT is charged or input VAT is recoverable, the amounts are stated net of VAT.
Programme Expenditure
Net expenditure for the year is analysed in the Statement of Comprehensive Net Expenditure between income and operating costs. The classification of expenditure and income as programme follows the definition of programme costs set out in HM Treasury Consolidated Budgeting Guidance, and as voted by Parliament in the Treasury’s Supply Estimate.
Pensions
Past and present employees are covered by the provisions of the Principal Civil Service Pension Schemes as described in notes to the accounts and in the Authority’s Remuneration Report. The Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) and the Civil Servant and Other Pension Scheme (CSOPS) are unfunded, except in respect of death in service or ill health retirement. Employees can opt to open partnership pension accounts, a stakeholder pension with employer contributions ranging from 8% to 14.75 % depending on the Employee’s age. The Authority recognises the expected costs of these elements on a systematic and rational basis over a period during which it benefits from employees’ services by payment to the Principal Civil Service Pension Schemes (PCSPS) of amounts calculated on an accruing basis. Liability for payment of future benefits is a charge on the PCSPS. In respect of the defined contribution elements of the schemes, the Authority recognises the contribution payable for the year.
Contingent liabilities
Where the time value of money is material, contingent liabilities which are required to be disclosed under IAS 37 are stated at discounted amounts and the amount reported to Parliament separately noted. Contingent liabilities that are not required to be disclosed by IAS 37 are stated at the amounts reported to Parliament.
Accounting Estimates and Judgements
In preparation of the Authority’s financial statements, management is required to make estimates and judgements that impact the amounts being reported for assets and liabilities as at the date of the Statement of Financial Position and amounts reported against income and expenditure during the year. Uncertainties are inherent in business activities, and as such, some elements of financial statements cannot be measured precisely and therefore can only be estimated. Estimation involves judgements based on the latest available, reliable information.
As per IAS1, paragraph 122 only the Estimates and Judgements that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in The Authority’s financial statements have been documented in the following section.
Revenue from contracts with customers
IFRS15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers requires that where a performance obligation is satisfied over time that revenue shall be recognised as and when the performance obligation has been satisfied. This requires the application of judgement by management to be applied to the measurement and timing of revenue recognition, related balances for contract assets, trade receivables and accrued and deferred income in the context of whether satisfaction of performance obligations is satisfied over time or at a point in time. The Authority primarily fulfils its performance obligations through services that are delivered over time, with revenue recognition based on costs incurred to maintain the continuity of survey-related activities. For contracts with explicit performance obligation milestones, revenue is recognised progressively as those milestones are achieved.
The Authority has several income streams where the level of revenue is based on expenditure incurred. Judgements are applied to these to ensure the costs associated are reliable and accurately reflect the level of expenditure of the project.
Judgements are applied to calculate a corporate overhead rate which is used to derive the charge out rate when charging for staff time. The level of overheads associated with each revenue stream are agreed with the customer prior to contract commencement.
The Authority recognises revenue using an input method based on the full economic costs, including overheads incurred. Revenue is calculated by reference to reliable estimates and total expected costs. Revenue and associated margin are therefore recognised progressively as costs are incurred. The Authority has determined this method faithfully depicts the Authority’s performance in transferring control of the services to the customer.
Leases
At the commencement of a lease agreement, the Authority considers the concept of reasonable certainty regarding the lease term to account for potential break clauses, extensions and terminations when measuring the asset and liability value. As part of that consideration the Authority’s strategic plans and the Authority’s Estates team are consulted to ensure a suitable measurement is applied to the reasonable certainty evaluation.
The Authority will reassess whether it remains reasonably certain to exercise, or not exercise, termination or break clauses upon the occurrence of a significant event or a significant change in circumstances that is within its control. Such events must relate to an unconditional business decision made by the Authority.
During the 2025/26 financial year the Authority has agreed with GPA to increase its office floor space at the Newport and Titchfield sites to meet the intended increase in staff levels in preparation for the 2031 Census.
For Newport, as the increase in total consideration for the lease is commensurate with the current market rate, it will be accounted for as a separate lease. The term of the new lease aligns with the Census 31 Programme duration and expires in March 2034.
The accounting treatment for Titchfield differs, as the increase in total consideration reflects a 50% discount, including a six‑month rent‑free period, and the removal of all break options for the duration of the Census 31 Programme (expiring in March 2034). Accordingly, the Authority has accounted for this as a lease modification under IFRS 16. The lease term has been determined up to the first available break point in March 2034, as management is not reasonably certain that the lease will continue beyond this date.
During the 2025/26 financial year, the Authority commenced a new property lease agreement for office space in Manchester. Management have assessed the lease agreement and have accounted for the lease to the break clause as per IFRS16.
In 2025/26 the Authority entered into a variation agreement in respect of the Edinburgh property lease to increase its occupying space from 54 square meters to 99 square meters. Following this modification, the lease term was revised in line with the break clause in 2032. This was accounted for in accordance with IFRS 16 in the 2025/26 financial statements.
As the lease liability and the right-of-use asset are based on unadjusted lease payments as known at the commencement date, no uplifts for inflation or RPI have been factored into the calculations. Therefore, when the lease payments change because of inflation or RPI the Authority will account for the remeasurement of the lease by recalculating the new lease liability by discounting adjusted lease payments with the original discount rate. The difference will be a right-of-use asset adjustment. The Authority does not anticipate any volatility within its lease payments as set out in lease agreements.
In-house developed software applications – Assets Under Construction
Applicable expenditure incurred in the development of internally created software is capitalised and recognised as an intangible asset if the criteria set out in the relevant accounting standards are met. The Authority has made judgements and assumptions when assessing whether a project meets these criteria including making judgements about whether particular costs arise from the research phase, or the development phase of the software build, and the proportion of staff time to be capitalised (as per agreement with Financial Accountant and Project Manager).
The Authority recognises an intangible asset, whether purchased or built in-house (at cost) if, and only if:
- the Authority intends to complete the asset and bring it into use
- the Authority has the ability to use the asset
- there are adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and use the asset
- it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity
- the cost of the asset can be measured reliably
In-house developed software applications are amortised between a range of two and six years (subject to an annual review), charged from the quarter in which the assets are completed.
During 2025/26, the Authority refined its approach to calculating staff capitalisation costs to align more closely with the way development activity is delivered in practice. Under the revised approach, staff capitalisation costs are calculated using weighted average salary rates by grade and location, derived from actual salary data. This methodology continues to be based on real pay costs and therefore provides a reliable and appropriate measure of expenditure, accurately reflecting the underlying pattern of resource usage.
Statistical records
Statistical information has built up over many years and is stored for reference purposes. No attempt is made to value this data, as there is no realistic way of doing so that would arrive at a meaningful valuation and it is not separable from the business under principles of IAS 38. The cost of storing and maintaining the data is charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Net Expenditure as incurred.
Standards Not Yet Adopted
IFRS18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements was issued in April 2024 and applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027 (subject to UK and Financial Reporting Advisory Board (FRAB) endorsement). IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements sets out general and specific requirements for the presentation and disclosure of information in general purpose financial statements.
The objective of IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements is to improve comparability of financial performance between organisations applying IFRS. Once effective, it will replace IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. The Authority does not intend to early adopt IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements.
Management has assessed the likely effect of the new standard, and it will not change how the Authority will recognise and measure items in the financial statements. It will affect the way the Authority presents and discloses information in those statements.
IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures
IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures was issued in May 2024 and applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027 (subject to UK and Financial Reporting Advisory Board (FRAB) endorsement). The Standard permits certain eligible subsidiaries to apply reduced disclosure requirements when preparing their financial statements.
As the Authority does not have any subsidiaries, this standard will have no material impact.
There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on The Authority.
2. Segmental Information of Expenditure and Income
The following information is regularly provided in order to inform the decision making by the National Statistician’s Executive Group, Executive Committee and the primary Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) of the UK Statistics Authority to make decisions regarding planning, resource allocation and income, as well as performance monitoring.
| Reportable segments By Director General Command | 2025/26 | 2024/25 (re-presented) |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Expenditure £'000 | Customer Contracts Income £'000 | Other Income £'000 | Total Income £'000 | Net Expenditure £'000 | Gross Expenditure £'000 | Customer Contracts Income £'000 | Other Income £'000 | Total Income £'000 | Net Expenditure £'000 |
|
| Corporate Services | 45,119 | - | (2,105) | (2,105) | 43,014 | 45,531 | - | (1,892) | (1,892) | 43,639 |
| Data Capability | 115,244 | (6,628) | (187) | (6,815) | 108,429 | 122,711 | (5,912) | (97) | (6,009) | 116,702 |
| National Statistician | 14,676 | (3,013) | (5,223) | (8,236) | 6,440 | 14,010 | (2,987) | (3,369) | (6,356) | 7,654 |
| Office for Statistics Regulation | 3,209 | - | (39) | (39) | 3,170 | 3,335 | - | (10) | (10) | 3,325 |
| Population Census & Social Statistics | 49,330 | (1,142) | (1,099) | (2,241) | 47,089 | 46,959 | (189) | (1,013) | (1,202) | 45,757 |
| Surveys and Economic Statistics | 196,069 | (11,944) | (1,799) | (13,743) | 182,326 | 165,409 | (12,102) | (1,375) | (13,477) | 151,932 |
| Total | 423,647 | (22,727) | (10,452) | (33,179) | 390,468 | 397,955 | (21,190) | (7,756) | (28,946) | 369,009 |
Following recent restructures, the data is no longer comparable across reporting periods. To address this, the table will be presented at Director General command level, with the 2024/25 table re-presented accordingly.
Reconciliation between segment information and net operating cost in the statement of comprehensive net expenditure
Values in £’000
| Reportable segments | 2025/26 | 2024/25 (re-presented) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Gross Expenditure £‘000 | Income £’000 | Net Expenditure £000 | Gross Expenditure £‘000 | Income £’000 | Net Expenditure £000 |
|
| Total reported by segment | 423,647 | (33,179) | 390,468 | 397,955 | (28,946) | 369,009 | |
| Reconciling items | |||||||
| Depreciation | 4 | 10,027 | - | 10,027 | 13,415 | - | 13,415 |
| Provisions created in year | 11 | - | - | - | 234 | - | 234 |
| Provisions not required in year | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Unwinding discount on provisions | 4 | 87 | - | 87 | (23) | - | (23) |
| Performance related pay year end accrual | 3 | 427 | - | 427 | 953 | - | 953 |
| Loss on disposal of equipment | 4 | (8) | - | (8) | (38) | - | (38) |
| Movement in holiday pay | 8,10 | 874 | - | 874 | 11 | - | 11 |
| Statement of comprehensive net expenditure | 435,054 | (33,179) | 401,875 | 412,507 | (28,946) | 383,561 |
Net assets are not reported separately to the CODM.
3. Staff Numbers and related Costs
For the period ending 31 March 2026
Staff costs
| 2025/26 | 2024/25 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total £’000 | Others £’000 | Permanently employment Staff £’000 | Total £’000 |
|
| Statistical services staff costs | 231,172 | 7,235 | 223,937 | 206,596 |
| Social security costs | 28,478 | - | 28,478 | 20,604 |
| Other pension costs | 61,921 | - | 61,921 | 56,306 |
| Tax and Levies | 1,084 | - | 1,084 | 986 |
| Total | 322,655 | 7,235 | 315,420 | 284,492 |
| Less recoveries in respect of outward secondments | (820) | - | (820) | (400) |
| Total net costs | 321,835 | 7,235 | 314,600 | 284,092 |
Statistical Services staff costs include £8,110,000 of research and development costs (£8,341,000 2024/25) which are analysed as capital expenditure in the Statement of Outturn against Parliamentary Supply.
The 2025/26 salary figure reflect a net yearly debit of £874k of accrued holiday/flexi pay, and PRP of £427k. In addition to the £322,655k reported net costs, £4,727k of salary costs were capitalised as capital expenditure (£1,410k 2024/25) and not included in the above table.
Staff numbers
| 2025/26 | 2024/25 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanently employment Staff FTE | Others FTE | Total FTE | Total FTE |
|
| Objective statistical services | 5012 | 202 | 5,214 | 4,916 |
| Total | 5012 | 202 | 5,214 | 4,916 |
Statistical services staff numbers are calculated using the average number of staff on the payroll each month rather than at year end.
Capitalised staff costs
| 2025/26 Cost (£’000) | 2025/26 FTE’s | 2024/25 Cost (£’000) (re-presented) | 2024/25 FTE’s (re-presented) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Analytical Platform | 1,808 | 30 | 965 | 40 |
| Data Management and SBR | 2,919 | 24 | 445 | 21 |
| Total | 4,727 | 54 | 1,410 | 61 |
Cloud Analytical Platform was reported in previous years as two separate Assets Under Construction (Platform Delivery (IDSP) and Core Service Design and Architecture (IDSP)). These assets have been merged under the new asset, Cloud Analytical Platform as its intended use has changed from providing external data access to focusing on key internal statistical priorities.
4. Programme costs
For the period ending 31 March 2026
| 2025/26 Total £000 | 2024/25 Total £000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Non-cash items | ||
| Depreciation | 8,180 | 8,286 |
| Amortisation | 1,847 | 5,129 |
| Total Depreciation charge | 10,027 | 13,415 |
| Unwinding and rewinding of discount on provisions | 87 | (23) |
| New provision | - | 235 |
| Total Provision Expense | 87 | 212 |
| Grant Expense | - | 286 |
| External audit fee | 147 | 142 |
| Loss on disposal of equipment | (8) | (38) |
| Other operating expenditure | 139 | 390 |
| 10,253 | 14,017 | |
| Information technology | 47,675 | 49,355 |
| Payments for carrying out surveys | 17,036 | 18,350 |
| Travel and subsistence | 6,331 | 5,403 |
| Survey Incentives | 5,736 | 3,915 |
| Accommodation | 5,638 | 8,664 |
| Postage | 4,497 | 3,601 |
| Consultancy | 3,440 | 6,064 |
| Contractors | 2,342 | 1,888 |
| External training | 2,048 | 2,304 |
| Other expenditure | 1,681 | 9,610 |
| Telecommunications | 1,374 | 1,559 |
| Miscellaneous fees | 1,237 | 1,441 |
| Marketing and media | 1,126 | 297 |
| Hospitality | 689 | 457 |
| Stationery | 566 | 434 |
| Other leases | 211 | 130 |
| Hire of plant and machinery | 176 | 229 |
| Ex-gratia payments | 5 | 5 |
| Exchange rate (gains)/losses | 3 | 1 |
| Purchase of goods and services | 101,811 | 113,707 |
| Finance Expense | 335 | 291 |
| 102,146 | 113,998 | |
| Total programme costs | 112,399 | 128,015 |
There were no payments to the auditors for non-audit services in the year 2025/26 (2024/25 nil).
5. Income
For the period ending 31 Mar 2026
Values in £’000
| 2025/26 £’000 | 2024/25 £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Customer contracts | 22,727 | 21,190 |
| Other | 10,442 | 7,748 |
| EU income | 10 | 8 |
| Total | 33,179 | 28,946 |
Other income comprises: Provision of Statistical Data £5,522k; Property Site Sharing £1,378k; Ad Hoc Requests £1,075k; Recovery of Secondee Costs £820k; and Other Goods and Services £1,647k.
An analysis of income from services provided external and public sector customers is as follows (values in £’000):
| 2025/26 | 2024/25 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External £‘000 | Public sector £‘000 | Total £‘000 | External £‘000 | Public sector £‘000 | Total £‘000 |
|
| Customer contracts | 10,102 | 12,625 | 22,727 | 5,947 | 15,243 | 21,190 |
| Other | 5,011 | 5,431 | 10,442 | 3,080 | 4,668 | 7,748 |
| EU income | 10 | - | 10 | 8 | - | 8 |
| Total | 15,123 | 18,056 | 33,179 | 9,035 | 19,911 | 28,946 |
Included in the £15,123k external income is £6,570k of Grant Funding from Economic and Social Research Council for Administrative Data Research.
6. Property, plant and equipment
For the period ending 31 March 2026
Values in (£’000)
| Building £‘000 | Computers £‘000 | Office machinery £‘000 | Furniture and fittings £‘000 | Assets Under Construction £‘000 | Total £‘000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Valuation | ||||||
| At April 2025 | - | 28,254 | 606 | 11,168 | 3,252 | 43,280 |
| Additions | - | 3,401 | - | 6 | 1,826 | 5,233 |
| Transfers | 1,815 | - | - | - | (1,815) | - |
| Disposals | - | (7,523) | (4) | (84) | - | (7,611) |
| Revaluations | - | 1,000 | - | 402 | - | 1,402 |
| At 31 March 2026 | 1,815 | 25,132 | 602 | 11,492 | 3,263 | 42,304 |
| Depreciation | ||||||
| At April 2025 | - | 20,749 | 524 | 6,023 | - | 27,296 |
| Charged in year | 363 | 3,599 | 13 | 1,095 | --- | 5,070 |
| Disposals | - | (7,523) | (4) | (84) | - | (7,611) |
| Revaluations | - | 511 | 1 | 215 | - | 727 |
| At 31 March 2026 | 363 | 17,336 | 534 | 7,249 | - | 25,482 |
| Net Book Value | ||||||
| At 31 March 2026 | 1,452 | 7,796 | 68 | 4,243 | 3,263 | 16,822 |
| Asset Financing | ||||||
| Owned | 1,452 | 7,796 | 68 | 4,243 | 3,263 | 16,822 |
| Leased | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Net book value at 31 March 2026 | 1,452 | 7,796 | 68 | 4,243 | 3,263 | 16,822 |
For the period ending 31 March 2025
Values in (£’000)
| Building £‘000 | Computers £‘000 | Office machinery £‘000 | Furniture and fittings £‘000 | Assets Under Construction £‘000 | Total £‘000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Valuation | ||||||
| At April 2024 | - | 25,200 | 565 | 11,043 | 145 | 36,953 |
| Additions | - | 3,233 | 52 | 3 | 3,393 | 6,681 |
| Disposals | - | (239) | (11) | - | (286) | (536) |
| Revaluations | - | 60 | - | 122 | - | 182 |
| At 31 March 2025 | - | 28,254 | 606 | 11,168 | 3,252 | 43,280 |
| Depreciation | ||||||
| At April 2024 | - | 18,038 | 499 | 4,891 | - | 23,428 |
| Charged in year | - | 2,925 | 30 | 1,076 | - | 4,031 |
| Disposals | - | (239) | (5) | 1 | - | (243) |
| Revaluations | - | 25 | - | 55 | - | 80 |
| At 31 March 2025 | - | 20,749 | 524 | 6,023 | - | 27,296 |
| Net Book Value | ||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | - | 7,505 | 82 | 5,145 | 3,252 | 15,984 |
| Asset Financing | ||||||
| Owned | - | 7,505 | 82 | 5,145 | 3,252 | 15,984 |
| Leased | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Net book value at 31 March 2025 | - | 7,505 | 82 | 5,145 | 3,252 | 15,984 |
7. Intangible Fixed Assets
For the period ending 31 March 2026
Values in (£’000)
| 2025/26 | In house software £‘000 | Software Licenses £‘000 | Assets under construction £‘000 | Total £‘000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | ||||
| At April 2025 | 23,364 | 11,443 | 17,297 | 52,104 |
| Additions | - | 200 | 4,727 | 4,927 |
| Transfers from assets under construction | - | - | - | - |
| Disposals | (14,695) | (1,395) | - | (16,090) |
| Revaluations | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2026 | 8,669 | 10,248 | 22,024 | 40,941 |
| Amortisation | ||||
| At April 2025 | 22,742 | 7,658 | - | 30,400 |
| Charged in year | 346 | 1,501 | - | 1,847 |
| Disposals | (14,695) | (1,395) | - | (16,090) |
| Revaluations | - | - | ||
| At 31 March 2026 | 8,393 | 7,764 | - | 16,157 |
| Net book value 31 March 2026 | 276 | 2,484 | 22,024 | 24,784 |
For the period ending 31 March 2025
Values in (£’000)
| 2024/25 | In house software £‘000 | Software Licenses £‘000 | Assets under construction £‘000 | Total £‘000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | ||||
| At April 2024 | 21,989 | 11,554 | 9,065 | 42,608 |
| Additions | - | (111) | 8,232 | 8,121 |
| Transfers from assets under construction | - | - | - | - |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - |
| Revaluations | 1,375 | - | - | 1,375 |
| At 31 March 2025 | 23,364 | 11,443 | 17,297 | 52,104 |
| Amortisation | ||||
| At April 2024 | 18,221 | 5,812 | - | 24,033 |
| Charged in year | 3,283 | 1,846 | - | 5,129 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - |
| Revaluations | 1,238 | - | - | 1,238 |
| At 31 March 2024 | 22,742 | 7,658 | - | 30,400 |
| Net book value 31 March 2025 | 622 | 3,785 | 17,297 | 21,704 |
Notes:
The net book value of in-house developed software would be £241k if historic cost accounting had been applied up to March 2026. A change in FreM policy means The Authority no longer calculates indices to value in-house developed software assets on a quarterly basis from April 2025. The Authority does not re-value software licensees. Included in the £4,927,000 of capital additions are £105k of capital creditors and the amount brought forward from 2024/25 is £0. An asset disposal is actioned when the economic benefits have been fully realised.
Intangible Fixed Assets – In-house developed software applications
For the period ending 31 March 2026
| 2025/26 | CORD £’000 | Electronic Data Collection £’000 | Clerical Matching £’000 | ARIES Prices £’000 | Adjustment £’000 | Total In house software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | ||||||
| At April 2025 | 12,449 | 8,083 | 2,246 | 586 | - | 23,364 |
| Disposals | (12,449) | - | (2,246) | - | - | (14,695) |
| Transfers from AUC | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Revaluations | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Adjustments | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2026 | 0 | 8,083 | 0 | 586 | - | 8,669 |
| Amortisation | ||||||
| At April 2025 | 12,449 | 7,831 | 2,246 | 211 | 5 | 22,742 |
| Charged in year | - | 252 | - | 94 | 346 | |
| Disposals | (12,449) | - | (2,246) | - | (14,695) | |
| Revaluations | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Adjustments | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2026 | 0 | 8,083 | 0 | 305 | 5 | 8,393 |
| Net book value 31 March 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 281 | (5) | 276 |
| Remaining useful economic life | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | - | - |
For the period ending 31 March 2025
| 2024/25 | CORD £’000 | Electronic Data Collection £’000 | Clerical Matching £’000 | ARIES Prices £’000 | Adjustment £’000 | Total In house software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | ||||||
| At April 2024 | 11,662 | 7,670 | 2,103 | 549 | 5 | 21,989 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Transfers from AUC | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Revaluations | 787 | 409 | 142 | 37 | - | 1,375 |
| Adjustments | - | 4 | 1 | - | (5) | - |
| At 31 March 2025 | 12,449 | 8,083 | 2,246 | 586 | - | 23,364 |
| Amortisation | ||||||
| At April 2024 | 11,293 | 6,010 | 802 | 110 | 6 | 18,221 |
| Charged in year | 381 | 1,472 | 1,339 | 91 | - | 3,283 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Revaluations | 775 | 350 | 102 | 11 | - | 1,238 |
| Adjustments | - | (1) | 3 | (1) | (1) | - |
| At 31 March 2025 | 12,449 | 7,831 | 2,246 | 211 | 5 | 22,742 |
| Net book value 31 March 2025 | 0 | 252 | 0 | 375 | (5) | 622 |
| Remaining useful economic life | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | - | - |
Notes:
CORD (Central ONS Repository for Data) is the primary system used to compile the National Accounts including Quarterly National Accounts, Retail Sales Index and Trade (Goods and Services). The CORD platform capability is currently being enhanced to support the processing requirements to deliver the National Accounts in-line with the European System of Accounts 2012 Programme. This will be achieved through progressive improvements in statistical methods, data and system performance. During 24/25 financial year the useful life of the asset was changed to March 2025 and depreciation expensed accordingly. This was disposed from the Authority’s asset register.
The Electronic Data Collection programme (EDC) aims to develop systems, methods and processes to improve the collection, integration and processing of data in relation to the UK’s economy and society. The software is part of an ongoing Data Collection Transformation Programme to modernise antiquated data collection modes, such as paper-based questionnaires, with a range of electronic data collection channels, making further use of the Web and administrative sources. The useful life expired in May 2025. This will now be disposed from the Authority’s asset register in 26/27 financial year.
Clerical Matching – The ONS requires a capability to match records from multiple datasets and assure that the quality of the matches meet strict targets. The immediate need relating to successful delivery of the 2021 Census. The ONS has an additional requirement that gives the option to re-use the capability for wider business needs beyond the Census with other datasets and to support the overall linking of datasets. This will require the flexibility to build on the existing capability of the tool to potentially meet emerging business need, for example, adding extra fields to the tool as required. During the 24/25 financial year the useful life of the asset was changed to March 2025 and depreciation expensed accordingly. This was disposed from the Authority’s asset register.
ARIES Prices – ONS collects and analyses prices data for goods and services in the UK. A high-profile use of this data is calculation of the rate of inflation. The wider uses of the data include fiscal and political decision making, commercial planning in the public and private sectors, and uses in academic settings. With observable impacts on currency exchange rates, credit interest rates and political discourse the reliability and security of prices and inflation data is of critical importance. Methods and sources used by ONS for analysis of prices have changed in the past. A further need for Alternative Data Sources (ADS) in price statistics to address current and near-term requirements has become clear through high profile independent reviews such as the ‘Independent Review of UK Economic Statistics’ by Professor Sir Charles Bean and ‘UK Consumer Price Statistics: A Review’ by Paul Johnson. The remaining economic useful life of the asset was incorrectly disclosed as 4 years remaining in 23/24, this was corrected in the table above. It is still due to expire in March 2029.
Intangible Fixed Assets
For the period ending 31 March 2026
In-house developed software applications – Assets Under Construction
| Cloud Analytical Platform £’000 | Data Management and SBR £’000 | Total Assets Under construction £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| At April 2025 | 10.983 | 6,314 | 17,297 |
| Additions | 1,808 | 2,919 | 4,727 |
| Transfers from AUC | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2026 | 12,791 | 9,233 | 22,024 |
| Valuation | |||
| At April 2024 | 6,050 | 3,015 | 9,065 |
| Additions | 4,933 | 3,299 | 8,232 |
| Transfers from AUC | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2025 | 10,983 | 6,314 | 17,297 |
Cloud Analytical Platform was reported in previous years as two separate Assets Under Construction (Platform Delivery (IDSP) and Core Service Design and Architecture (IDSP)). These assets have been merged under the new asset, Cloud Analytical Platform as its intended use has changed from providing external data access to focusing on key internal statistical priorities. Assets under construction are not revalued or depreciated
8. Trade Receivables and Other Assets
As of 31 March 2026
| 2025/26 £'000 | 2024/25 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Amounts falling due within one year: | ||
| Trade receivables | 2,126 | 1,801 |
| Contract Receivables | 0 | 145 |
| Total Receivables | 2,126 | 1,946 |
| Prepayments | 19,939 | 19,453 |
| Accrued income | 4,271 | 3,169 |
| Other assets | 33 | 0 |
| Total other current assets | 24,243 | 22,622 |
| Amounts falling after more than one year: | ||
| Deposits and advances | 98 | 71 |
| 26,467 | 24,639 |
Total Trade Receivables Outstanding
| 2025/26 £’000 | 2024/25 £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 30 days | 1,979 | 1,823 |
| 31 to 60 days | 25 | 106 |
| 61 to 90 days | 122 | - |
| 91 to 180 days | - | 17 |
| 2,126 | 1,946 |
In accordance with IFRS 9 the Authority has reviewed its activities and concluded as a standalone non- ministerial body it does not hold complex financial instruments.
Trade receivables are recognised at their amortised cost less credit loss. The Authority primarily transacts with public sector bodies, historically outstanding debts are recovered.
The Authority’s payment terms are thirty days. At 31 March 2026 £25k debt is outstanding over 30 days but less than 60 days and £122k debt over 60 days less than 90 days. Except for an immaterial amount, all outstanding receivables is allocated to public sector bodies which it does not consider a credit risk.
Prepayments primarily relate to advance payments for recurring contractual services. The year-end balance remains consistent with the prior period, reflecting the stable and ongoing nature of these arrangements. As many of the underlying invoices recur annually, there is limited movement in the prepayment balance year on year; examples of such recurring costs include local authority rates and software licences.
9. Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the period ending 31 March 2026
| 2025/26 £’000 | 2024/25 £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 April | 547 | 5,123 |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalent balances | 68 | (4,576) |
| Balance at 31 March | 615 | 547 |
| The following balances at 31 March were held at: | ||
| Government Banking Service accounts | 504 | 490 |
| Cash equivalents | 111 | 57 |
| Balance at 31 March | 615 | 547 |
10. Trade Payables and Other Current Liabilities
For the period ending 31 March 2026
| 2025/26 £’000 | 2024/25 £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Amounts falling due within one year: | ||
| Other taxation and social security | 3,114 | 1,457 |
| Trade payables | 5,309 | 1,197 |
| Accruals | 29,087 | 30,665 |
| Deferred income | 280 | 88 |
| Contract Liabilities | 43 | 383 |
| Amounts issued from Consolidated Fund for supply but not spent at year end | 615 | 548 |
| Total | 38,448 | 34,338 |
2025/26 figures reflect a net yearly credit of £874k of accrued holiday and flexi pay. The Authority calculates the holiday and flexi accrual at year end with the figure being reflected in the category of accruals and deferred income. In accordance with IFRS 9 the Authority has reviewed its activities and concluded as a standalone non- ministerial body it does not hold complex financial instruments.
The only financial instruments included in the accounts are receivables and payables.
The Authority’s standard contractual payment terms are 30 days, creditors are recognised on receipt of goods or services.
The Authority is not in receipt of loans.
11. Provisions for Liabilities and Charges
For the period ending 31 March 2026
| Provisions £’000 | Total £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 April 2025 | 1,757 | 1,757 |
| Provided in year | - | - |
| Provisions utilised in the year | (52) | (52) |
| Unwinding of discount | 87 | 87 |
| Rewinding of discount | ||
| Balance at 31 March 2026 | 1,792 | 1,792 |
| Balance at 1 April 2024 | 1,597 | 1,597 |
| Provided in year | 234 | 234 |
| Provisions not required written back | - | - |
| Provisions utilised in the year | (51) | (51) |
| Unwinding of discount | (23) | (23) |
| Rewinding of discount | ||
| Balance at 31 March 2025 | 1,757 | 1,757 |
Analysis of expected timing of discounted flows
| Provisions £‘000 | Total £‘000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| up to 31 March 2027 | 1,533 | 1,533 |
| Between 2028 and 2030 | 199 | 199 |
| Between 2031 and 2036 | 60 | 60 |
| Between 2037 and 2042 | - | - |
| Balance at 31 March 2026 | 1,792 | 1,792 |
Prior year analysis of expected timing of discounting flow for comparison
| Provisions £‘000 | Total £‘000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| up to 31 March 2026 | 1,321 | 1,321 |
| Between 2027 and 2029 | 311 | 311 |
| Between 2030 and 2035 | 125 | 125 |
| Between 2036 and 2041 | - | - |
| Balance at 31 March 2024 | 1,757 | 1,757 |
Current provisions includes property dilapidations, ongoing contractual obligations and pending employment tribunals.
12. Capital Commitments
For the period ending 31 March 2026
| 2025/26 £’000 | 2024/25 £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Contracted capital commitments | 91 | 1,612 |
| Total commitments as at 31 March 2026 not otherwise included on these financial statements | 91 | 1,612 |
13. Leases
For the period ending 31 March 2026
Right of Use Assets
For the period ending 31 March 2026
| Buildings £'000 | Office Machinery £'000 | Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Valuation | |||
| At 1 April 2025 | 38,734 | 835 | 39,569 |
| Additions | 1,472 | 178 | 1,650 |
| Transfers | |||
| Disposals | (111) | (111) | |
| At 31 March 2026 | 40,095 | 1,013 | 41,108 |
| Depreciation | |||
| At 1 April 2025 | 12,862 | 695 | 13,557 |
| Charged in year | 2,912 | 198 | 3,110 |
| Disposals | (40) | - | (40) |
| At 31 March 2026 | 15,734 | 893 | 16,627 |
| Net Book Value | |||
| At 31 March 2025 | 25,872 | 140 | 26,012 |
| At 31 March 2026 | 24,361 | 120 | 24,481 |
For the period ending 31 March 2025
| Buildings £'000 | Office Machinery £'000 | Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or Valuation | |||
| At 31 March 2024 | 35,997 | 883 | 36,880 |
| Additions | 2,737 | (48) | 2,689 |
| At 31 March 2025 | 38,734 | 835 | 39,569 |
| Depreciation | |||
| At 1 April 2024 | 8,777 | 525 | 9,302 |
| Charged in year | 4,085 | 170 | 4,255 |
| At 31 March 2025 | 12,862 | 695 | 13,557 |
| Net Book Value | |||
| At 31 March 2024 | 27,220 | 358 | 27,578 |
| At 31 March 2025 | 25,872 | 140 | 26,012 |
The Authority exercises judgement and estimation in the valuation of Right of Use Assets when considering indexation linked increase/decreases and break and extension clauses within contracts. Further information can be found in the Notes to the Accounts on Pages 158 to 167 (of the pdf).
Maturity analysis Lease Liability
A maturity analysis of contractual undiscounted cash flows relating to lease liabilities is given below. Management monitors rolling forecasts of The Authority’s cash balance on the basis of expected cash flows, to ensure we are able to pay contractual commitments as they fall due.
| Amounts Falling Due 31 March 2026 | Amounts Falling Due 31st March 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buildings £'000 | Office machinery £'000 | Total £'000 | Buildings £'000 | Office machinery £'000 | Total £'000 |
|
| Amounts Falling Due: | ||||||
| Not later than one year | 2,937 | 45 | 2,982 | 3,060 | 47 | 3,107 |
| Later than one year and not later than five years | 11,290 | 42 | 11,332 | 11,327 | 61 | 11,388 |
| More than five years | 12,521 | - | 12,521 | 11,635 | - | 11,635 |
| Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate | (2,634) | (9) | (2,643) | (1,318) | (7) | (1,325) |
| Balance as at 31 March | 24,114 | 78 | 24,192 | 24,704 | 101 | 24,805 |
| Current | 2,937 | 45 | 2,982 | 2,437 | 38 | 2,475 |
| Non Current | 21,177 | 33 | 21,210 | 22,267 | 63 | 22,330 |
Darlington Lease - A formal financial commitment was signed by the authority for the future occupation of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), a central hub for seven government departments and agencies. The lease has been agreed over a 30 year term and is forecasted to be ready for occupation in 2028. The lease has therefore not been recognised because the commencement date is in the future.
| Amounts recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Net Expenditure | 2025/26 £'000 | 2024/25 £'000 |
|---|---|---|
| Buildings: | ||
| Depreciation | 2,912 | 4,085 |
| Interest Expense | 329 | 285 |
| Low value & short term leases | 211 | 130 |
| 3,452 | 4,500 | |
| Other: | ||
| Depreciation | 198 | 170 |
| Interest Expense | 6 | 6 |
| Low value & short term leases | 176 | 229 |
| 380 | 405 | |
| Amounts recognised in the Statement of Cash Flows | 2025/26 £'000 | 2024/25 £'000 |
| Buildings: | ||
| Interest Expense | 329 | 285 |
| Repayments of principal on leases | 1,984 | 4,278 |
| 2,313 | 4,563 | |
| Other: | ||
| Interest Expense | 6 | 6 |
| Low value &short term leases | 194 | 194 |
| 200 | 200 | |
14. Other Financial Commitments
For the period ending 31 March 2026
The Authority entered into non-cancellable contracts (which are not Leases or PFI contracts) for Information Management Services, Statistical Services and Facilities Management. As a result the Authority is committed to the following payments.
| 2025/26 £’000 | 2024/25 £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Not later than one year | 29,418 | 27,019 |
| Later than one year and not later than five years | 17,897 | 9,121 |
| Greater than five years | 2 | - |
| Total | 47,317 | 36,140 |
15. Contingent Liabilities
For the period ending 31 March 2026
None. (None for the period ending 31 March 2026)
16. Related Party Transactions
Although the Authority has had several material transactions with other government departments and other central government bodies, it is not required to disclose intra-government transactions.
Remuneration of Executive Directors is disclosed in the remuneration report on pages 109-111 (of the pdf).
No Board Member, Key Manager, or other related parties have undertaken any material transactions with the Authority during the financial year 2025/26. The Authority has not identified any further related parties.
17. Events Arising after the Reporting Date
None.
18. Date of Authorisation of the Accounts
The Accounts were authorised for issue on the date of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s certification.