It is important to recognise that the finalised awards statistics are not a revision of the provisional statistics. The provisional numbers relate to the caseload position at a snapshot point in time, based on the family circumstances we have been informed of by each family prior to that particular time. The finalised awards relate to the complete retrospective picture for the year, based on a finalised view of family incomes and circumstances. The caseload population will be different between the two publications as a result of HMRC knowing the complete finalised picture of the award.
For a detailed explanation of the difference between the provisional and finalised award statistics please see the section 'Provisional awards vs finalised awards' in the latest publication.
