The latest government statistical agency to get their statistics seriously wrong is the UK crown dependency of the Isle of Man. The error could cost companies operating on the island a considerable amount as it involves the Retail Price Index. The latest figure for August 2016 gives the annual rate as 4.0%, or 4.6% excluding housing. This compares to a consumer price index that is much lower at -0.5% for the same period. However, when calculated using the official weights for each item in the constituent ‘shopping basket’ the annual rate should be +0.33% whilst the rate without housing would be even lower, not higher. The difference between the correct figure and the published “official” figure is 3.67%. If translated into a cost of living payroll adjustment for a typical 100-person company it would amount to a needless additional cost of over £130,000 ($US 173,000).