ONS Announce Significant Changes in Data Collection Linked to Inflation

The Office for National Statistics has today announced the decision to introduce supermarket scanner data into consumer inflation statistics. It represents a change in the measurement of consumer prices.

Mike Hardie, director for price transformation, explains: "For a number of years, we have been developing and trialing the use of supermarket checkout and online sales data to replace physical price collection for our headline inflation statistics. As this process has involved replacing 25,000 monthly price points, recorded on mobile devices in shops by price collectors, with 300 million price points derived from sales of over a billion units of products per month taken directly from checkouts, we have taken our time to develop both the systems and methods to assure the quality of these important statistics."

"This new data source will bring a step change in our measurement of inflation. Now, rather than assuming the change in the price of one type of apple in a supermarket reflects all apples, for the shops supplying us with scanner data, we will be able to see how the price of every apple changes as well as knowing exactly how much of each type of apple is bought, so we can adjust the figures for changing buying habits. However, it’s important to note we won’t have any information about any individual shopper."

"This means the price charged at the till, not the price shown on the shelf, will feed into our inflation statistics."

This new data source will be introduced in March, alongside their annual review of the basket of goods and services, when it will replace physical price collection for half of the grocery market.

Following the introduction of this new data source, they will also reintroduce the

 Shopping Prices Comparison Tool On an expanded basis, showing more products and calculated on many more price points than previously. The tool is planned to be reintroduced from the summer.  

Today’s announcement previews a coming step-change in the measurement of inflation. It is part of a broader plan to improve the quality of key statistics.  

Why are we telling you this?

Prices paid at the till often differ significantly, with supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and even Lidl offering discounts to members (Club Card, Nectar Card & Lidl Plus).

Also, there is often a bewildering range of offers that aim to get us to spend more by paying less per item. This bulk buying often decreases the frequency of purchasing, which, when considered over time, will again reduce the overall cost. Some savvy shoppers buy seasonally and more from the glossy brochures, for example, so instead of buying the same burger each week, they will buy the one on offer.

It is therefore possible that comparing the price of apples by product using Mr. Hardie's example doesn't accurately mimic buyer behaviour, and this more accurate method of measuring, along with the pricing comparison tool, could help us make better choices and even reduce inflation, giving us more money in our pockets to buy apples.

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ONS Announce Significant Changes in Data Collection Linked to Inflation - created 28th January 2026

Views expressed in this article are the authors own and are not necessarily the views of COGNEWS.