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brynmrgn

ONS + Nomis MCP server

by brynmrgn

get_timeseries

Access a published ONS time series via its website URI to retrieve the latest headline values for key economic indicators like inflation, unemployment, and GDP.

Instructions

Get a PUBLISHED ONS time series by its website URI. PREFER THIS for headline indicators (inflation rates, unemployment rate, GDP growth).

This hits /v1/data, which serves the same figures as the ONS website — the published headline value, not something derived from an index. It returns months/quarters/years already in chronological order, so the last element is the latest period.

uri is the ONS website path for the series, e.g. "/economy/inflationandpriceindices/timeseries/l55o/mm23" for the CPIH annual rate. These URIs are evergreen and don't change between releases. Find them via the series CDID (l55o, d7g7, mgsx ...) and the dataset (mm23, lms ...).

Prefer this over get_observations for "what is the latest X rate" questions: the CMD datasets behind get_observations are curated separately and some lag the published series by months or years.

CAVEAT on next_release: it is a snapshot captured at the LAST publication, not a live release-calendar lookup, so it can be wrong. Observed reporting "15 July" when the ONS release calendar said "22 July". Treat it as indicative only; for a real next-release date use list_releases / get_release (the live calendar), not this field.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
uriYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations provided, but description fully covers behavior: hits /v1/data, returns chronological order (last element latest), and warns that next_release is a snapshot from last publication, not live. Describes data source and limitations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Well-structured with front-loaded main action, examples, and caveats. Slightly long but every sentence adds value. Concise for the amount of crucial context provided.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given output schema exists (not shown but present), description doesn't need return format. Covers use case, usage context, parameter semantics, caveats, and alternatives. Complete for a single-param tool with good annotations (or lack thereof).

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Only one parameter 'uri' with 0% schema coverage, but description explains what the URI is, provides examples like '/economy/.../l55o/mm23', and tells how to find them via CDID and dataset. Adds significant meaning beyond raw schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Explicitly states 'Get a PUBLISHED ONS time series by its website URI' and specifies it's for headline indicators like inflation rates, unemployment rate, GDP growth. Distinguishes from get_observations by highlighting dataset curation differences.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly says 'PREFER THIS for headline indicators' and advises when to avoid alternatives, e.g., 'Prefer this over get_observations for latest X rate'. Also provides caveat about next_release and suggests using list_releases/get_release for live release dates.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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