Abstract of Statistics
The latest national statistics on The Abstract of Statistics for Benefits, National Insurance Contributions, and Indices of Prices and Earnings 2011 Edition were released on 18 July 2012 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
The Abstract of Statistics is an annual publication that aims to provide a reference source for users interested in the main aspects of Benefits and Indices of Prices and earnings. The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 13 July 2011.
Following responses to a 2009 consultation to end this publication, as of 2010, the Abstract of Statistics now contains the following:
- DWP benefit uprating history
- The rates of benefit time series
- Direct links and/or instructions to all previously published elements.
The following series previously published as part of the Abstract are available easily from internet links or other DWP publications (see Annex B for sources), the Abstract of Statistics no longer includes:
- Section 1: RPI, ROSSI, New ROSSI and CPI time series.
- Section 3.1: The Average Earnings Index time series.
- Section 3.2: The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) time series.
- Section 4: Net Income after Housing Costs for hypothetical family types.
- Section 6: Rates of National Insurance and their rules.
- Section 7: Expenditure on benefits.
The published summary of the consultation responses can be found here. 
To access the Abstract of Statistics please click here. 
To view the tables provided in the Abstract in Excel format please click here. 
Please note the Excel tables do not include supporting commentary, users should refer to the full publication for footnotes and background information.
All previous publications (2002-2010) have been archived here.
If you have any questions on this consultation or the response, please contact us via email at: stats-consultation@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
DWP complies with the National Statistics Code of Practice and supporting Principles. Detailed policy statements and statement of compliance with the pre-release access to official statistics order 2008 are given below:
Detailed policy and methodology relating to the Abstract:
These statistics have been recently assessed by the UK Statistics Authority. The resulting report can be found at: number 216.
An ongoing questionnaire, enabling DWP to target future consultations at interested users; shaping the future direction of statistics development to address user needs; and helping ensure value for money, whilst giving users a structured way of expressing their views is available at:
Abstract Questionnaire 
Completed questionnaires can be returned by e-mail to stats-consultation@dwp.gsi.gov.uk or by post to the following address:
Stuart Grant
Information, Governance and Security Directorate
Department for Work and Pensions
Room BP5201
Benton Park Road
Longbenton
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1YX
Results of the questionnaire will allow DWP to gain further understanding of users and what they see as important with regards to the statistics produced. The hope is that users who are experiencing difficulty will fill the questionnaire in as a structured way of giving feedback. Whilst this won't give a representative view of how users see the statistics, it will certainly give an idea of areas of improvement and help with planning of future developments.
DWP will use the results of the questionnaire to update the uses and users document on an annual basis. Provided DWP get enough responses, the aim is to publish a short paper on uses, including any customer comments.
Coverage: Great Britain
Geographic Breakdown: None
Frequency: Annual
Next Release Date: 17 July 2013
