A practical introduction to index numbers

An introduction to the subject of index numbers for statisticians, economists and numerate members of the public. The ideal accompanying text for students taking the Royal Statistical Society’s Ordinary and Higher examinations and for members of the Government Statistical Service. As well as covering the essential basics of the subject, it will describe important applications with a focus on the modern Consumer Prices Index (CPI) which is arguably the most important Official Statistic in the UK - the monthly release of the CPI, including UK inflation, is a high profile and widely discussed news item.