The operating cost index (OCI) provides a means of comparing costs between associations.  As such it provides a useful tool for associations to benchmark against peers and a starting point to examining and comparing their own cost base in order to improve performance in cost effectiveness and efficiency. The index can be used to identify those associations whose actual costs appear to be higher or lower than others, after having adjusted for known variables.

The index was first introduced in 2004 and the model on which it is based has been refined and improved since then. The results from the most recent run of the model undertaken on the 2007 data which was published previously on the PI website are available here. A briefing note explaining how the OCI is devised and how we use it is available.

The OCI 2007 Results excel file contains the results for associations. The results table also provide additional information including net operating costs based on actual spend, the group status of the association and total units. The results are presented in group alphabetical order.

Re-worked results based for 2005 and 2006 run on the 2007 model are also provided within the results workbook, on separate sheets, OCI 2005 and OCI 2006, to provide trend information.

A detailed explanation of the model is published in the report “Index of the comparative operating costs of Registered Social Landlords in England”. In addition, the ready reckoner workbook (OCI ReadyReckoner 2007) reperforms the calculation of the OCI and sets out the data used. It includes a user guide and the three years of results and input.