Inflation attitudes survey methodology detailed for February 2026
The Bank of England has published the methodology for its Inflation Attitudes Survey, conducted by Ipsos in February 2026. The survey details sampling, weighting, and quotas for UK adults aged 16 to 75.
Surveying UK inflation sentiment
The Bank of England's Inflation Attitudes Survey, conducted by Ipsos, utilizes an online omnibus methodology to gather public sentiment.
In February 2026, two distinct waves of data collection were carried out among UK adults aged 16 to 75. The first wave ran from February 6-11, 2026, followed by a second from February 20-24, 2026.
Each wave surveyed approximately 2,000 to 2,200 individuals.
The survey design prioritizes a logical flow for respondents, with the Inflation Attitudes tracker typically positioned immediately after demographic questions.
To ensure representativeness, the sample data is rigorously weighted to align with national population profiles, with both weighted and unweighted bases presented throughout the full report.
This careful approach aims to capture a robust and demographically balanced snapshot of public perceptions regarding inflation.
Rigorous sampling and demographic controls
The survey employs a comprehensive quota system to control for age, gender, region, and working status, ensuring a diverse and representative participant pool.
While some flexibility is incorporated to facilitate timely completion of fieldwork, the final demographic profile undergoes post-survey weighting.
This process adjusts the data by age within gender, social grade within gender, working status within gender, and region.
For analyses combining the two February waves, each wave is weighted independently before integration.
Ipsos and its partners maintain strict quality procedures for their online panel, verifying that participants are unique, engaged, and not over-surveyed on specific topics, thereby enhancing data integrity.
Transparency in a complex field
The detailed methodological disclosure provides crucial transparency for interpreting the Bank of England's inflation attitudes data.
While acknowledging the practicalities of online panels, the explicit guidance on applying a 'design factor' for confidence limits is vital for researchers.
This commitment to explaining statistical nuances enhances the credibility of the survey's findings, allowing for a more informed assessment of public sentiment.