Local Data Panel

Our blog so far has been about the significant drive to open up national public data and reference datasets on data.gov.uk. As well as this, lots of work is also underway to provide access to data from bodies outside central government. A range of organisations including the NHS, schools and councils currently collect large amount of data which can be opened up. As part of the Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government paper the Prime Minister said

“there are many hundreds more that can be opened up - not only from central government but also from local councils, the NHS, police and education authorities.”

As part of this work Professor Nigel Shadbolt from the University of Southampton is heading up a panel of experts to oversee the release of this local data; ensuring that data is linked across local authorities, the Local Government Association, government departments and agencies.

The Local Data Panel met in January 2010 for this first time and will operate for a two year period until the end of 2011. We are delighted to be able to showcase their work and you can read more about the progress the panel is making here in their introductory post.

By Data.gov.uk Team