The ONS has been under fire recently over management failings, inaccurate data and what one review called two months ago, “deep-seated” problems. Staff don’t appear too concerned, however…

An FOI from the TaxPayers’ Alliance, seen by Guido, shows that in 2024/25 ONS staff spent £10,475.01 on meals, £2,154.05 on hotels and £10,948.29 on travel. A total bill of £23,577.35. For the same sum you could:

Fill 327 potholes.

Buy 261 British Army Mk7 helmets.

Provide 74 sets of covert body armour for police.

Guido hears the difficulties at the ONS go beyond the balance sheet: a lack of numeracy skills, over-reliance on spreadsheets, and growing concerns over the quality of data. Since the relocation of its HQ to Newport, quality control has only gone downhill. UK DOGE recommends costs

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