Thanks/General
I just want to say I think this is a tremendous idea, and I hope it really takes off. Thanks to all who are involved.
Agreed.
Thanks Nicholas, glad you're finding the site useful. Keep checking back for extra datasets and developments.
I second that. This website is a brilliant resource. I had no idea this sort of data was available to the public.
I totally Agree with you, it's public data like this that allows communities to function better. As they say, Information is POWER! :)
Yes, this is a fantastic project. I'm very grateful for the work thats going on and I think it could have massive impact on the UK from raising accountability of government bodies to raising the standards of knowledge and evidence base for all kinds of important work.
As a consultant working on public projects and business cases in the UK, it can be incredibly frustrating to know that a wealth of data exists but is only made available in crude aggregated forms which prevent any form of valuable analysis. Institutions often seem to withold their data with no good reason and a complete lack of appreciation for how valuable it can be, creating monopolies for a few private companies who gain privileged access.
Clearly confidentiality is important but the public should have a right to access data they have paid for.
Having gone through the information from the Home Office I noticed that large sums appears to be spent with Carlson Wagon Lit Travel. The other two large recipients of money during the period covered by the data published today are Reed Employment and the Treasury Solicitor. What I find interesting isa that when you look at the payments to the Treasury Solicitor whihc I presume includes compensation payments teh average monthly legal bill to the Treasury Solicitor is 2,817,188.56. Such a large amount on legal fees raises questions about the quality of decision making at the Home Office as this would indicate a large number of challenges whihc are not dismissed as unarguable.
I must say congratulations on this site and its contents. Publishing data is a must to win back the trust and respect of the public and attempt to re-engage with voters.