Regional GDP Review

Accurate and timely regional economic data is crucial for effective policymaking and informed decision-making at all levels. Understanding the economic performance of different regions and countries within the UK allows policymakers to identify areas of strength and weakness, target support to those most in need, and develop policies that promote balanced and sustainable growth. Businesses can also use this information to make informed decisions about investment, expansion, and resource allocation. In recent years, the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) has significantly invested in the development of new and novel sub-national statistics to support economic analysis and insight at a regional and country level. One of these innovations was the introduction of experimental Quarterly Country and Regional Gross Domestic Product (QCRGDP) estimates in 2019. These aimed to provide detailed, timely insights into economic performance at a regional level. However, despite initial success, the series faced some challenges that led to a temporary suspension in 2023. ESCoE was then commissioned to complete a review of its methods and processes. This report provides findings from the review, showing how the experimental nature of the series, coupled with its reliance on administrative data, gave rise to some challenges. It then outlines several recommendations to address these issues and rebuild user confidence.