THE referendum campaign has been dogged by complaints that voters have not been given the information they need to make their decision.

 

But all that might be about to change with the launch of a special statistical compendium next year.

The UK Statistics Authority, the country's official facts and figures watchdog, yesterday announced that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish the new referendum Bible early next year.

A new website will allow voters to access a wealth of information which, for the first time, will allow reliable comparisons between all aspects of life in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

The project, which involved statisticians from the Scottish and UK governments, will begin in January with reports on the economy and population.

They will compare, for example, economic growth in Scotland with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and show where in the UK the population is ageing faster.

Reports on 'social indicators,' including life expectancy, crime and deprivation, and the environment, revealing differences in people's travel and housing, will follow in February and March.

Chairman of the UK Statistics Authority Sir Andrew Dilnot said: "If statistics are used badly in a way which can mislead, not only is the debate damaged but it worsens attitudes to public debate. It's extraordinarily important to stand up for the appropriate and good use of statistics."