Title: The History of Inflation Measurement

Speaker: Jeff Ralph (RSS William Guy Lecturer for 2017-2018)

Abstract:

The monthly consumer price inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics are among the most influential of all Official Statistics. They are used for a wide variety of important purposes from indicating the health of the economy to the adjustment of pensions and benefits. Behind the numbers sits a sophisticated methodology that has been developed over a long period of time.

This talk looks at the development of these measures from their origins at the start of the 18th Century to the current day. It will identify some of the visionary individuals who contributed to establishing the foundations, the dates when important changes were made and the social and political factors that drove the developments.

Note. This is a RSS South West Local Group event, all are welcome to attend.