Deferred Payment Agreements - 2020-21

Several inconsistencies within the 2020-21 collection have been identified. For example, local authorities advised that 2,605 new DPAs had been agreed (this is the number we use when referring to the total number of DPAs). However, when analysed by whether a top-up had been provided or not, the total was 2,640. When analysed by the reason for the request, the total was 2,610. These values are still informative due to the additional detail provided however users should be aware of the slight discrepancy with overall numbers reported.

Using inbuilt validation checks within the data templates and post-submission data quality reports for each collection, NHS Digital looks to identify logical inconsistencies in the data or where the data submitted is an outlier against local and national data. Local authorities can then review and resubmit data ahead of the deadline or provide explanations for any identified issues. NHS Digital works with the DPA Working Group, with local authorities and with other stakeholders to ensure that the data template and the accompanying guidance document are clear to understand.

Some local authorities advised that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some parts of the process (e.g. property valuations, paperwork being signed) were subject to delays compared with previous years.

Further detail on these data quality issues can be found in the data quality statement and summary. NHS Digital will continue to work with local authorities to enhance and improve the completeness and quality of the publication.

Because this is an experimental statistics collection, we highly recommend not making year on year comparisons. For example, when considering the data collected against that submitted last year (rounded to the nearest five).

Therefore:

The difference between calculated and reported numbers has continued to decrease year by year. In 2018-19 this was 535, in 2019-20 it was 75 and this year it is 10. This reduction is due to continual improved data quality by local authorities.