Producing official statistics

Charges for supplementary statistical services policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how the Scottish Government charges for supplementary statistical services in accordance with Practice 10.6 of the Code of Practice for Statistics, which requires producer organisations to publish a charging policy for supplementary statistical services.

This policy aligns with the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM), which provides the framework for setting charges across public services.

Scope

This policy applies to discretionary statistical services that Scottish Government may provide. These are treated as non-statutory services, consistent with the SPFM distinction between statutory and discretionary services.

Typical services might include:

• bespoke data analyses
• tailored tabulations not included in standard publications
• archival data extraction
• advisory analytical support

Principles

Official statistics produced by the Scottish Government are published on the Scottish Government website. The Scottish Government may however provide additional bespoke statistical services on a discretionary basis.

Supplementary services may be subject to additional charges, depending on the nature of services requested by the users. Our approach to providing supplementary statistical services is guided by the principles of the SPFM. These include that:

• supplementary statistical work will be priced to recover the full cost required to produce the analysis, such as the cost of analyst time
• charges for quick or small requests (mostly under one hour of work) will normally be provided free of charge. The team will decide which requests will be provided free of charge
• charges apply equally to all external users, with no preferential treatment
• the relevant SG Finance Business Partner will be consulted in advance on the provision and financial objectives of all services supplied
• any fee waivers, discounts, or reduced costs must be explicitly documented

All services will comply with UK data protection and confidentiality rules.

Charging Structure

A charging structure for the qualifying statistical services provided will be decided by the team offering the service and charges agreed with the service seeker. All charges are subject to VAT unless exempt.

Request Process

Users should submit requests directly to statistical teams or via the Office of the Chief Statistician. Requests will be assessed for feasibility, confidentiality, capacity, and alignment with public good.

A written cost estimate will be supplied in advance. Work will proceed only after written acceptance as been received.

Delivery and Publication

Completed bespoke outputs may be published on the Scottish Government website publicly after delivery, while ensuring confidentiality and disclosure control.

Accountability and Complaints

Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). You may contact us directly or contact OSR at regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website.

Complaints relating to charges or delivery should be directed to the Chief Statistician.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, in line with SPFM guidance that charging levels should be routinely reviewed and updated as required.