Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Develop comprehensive programme with ONS to improve cross-government data-sharing for research and statistics.
Conclusion
It is time for Government to do what it promised to do seven years ago, and to join up the UK’s evidence base. Given that the Cabinet Office’s existing initiatives for improving data sharing are self-evidently insufficient, it should in partnership with the Office for National Statistics develop a comprehensive new programme aimed at improving data-sharing for statistical and research purposes. The programme must clearly define deliverables and timelines, and must be owned by a senior responsible officer at an appropriately high level. In line with the recommendations of the Lievesley report, we also recommend that HM Treasury establish mechanisms so that the costs are not borne by individual Departments, but rather centrally. The Cabinet Office should prepare and publish an annual progress report on delivery against the programme. (Paragraph 45) 40 Transforming the UK’s Evidence Base
Government response summary AI-generated
The UK Statistics Authority will establish a UK Statistics Assembly, which is set to meet for the first time on 22 January 2025, to bring together users and producers to discuss and give direction on evidence priorities. The ONS has also published its 2024-25 Strategic Business Plan outlining its approach to prioritisation.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
The Government rejects the Committee’s recommendation. While the Government is committed to increasing and improving data sharing, the recommended programme structure is rejected on the basis that Government is now developing a more comprehensive approach. The Government is reinvigorating the design of the digital centre of government in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), to maximise the potential of digital, data and technology to deliver digital transformation for the public. HM Treasury confirmed as part of the Autumn Budget the creation of a National Data Library to unlock the full value of our public data assets. This will provide simple, ethical, and secure access to public data assets, giving researchers and businesses powerful insights that will drive growth and transform people’s quality of life through better public services and cutting-edge innovation, including AI. HM Treasury remains committed to better use of data across government. Funding implications will be considered in the round as part of Spending Review 2025.
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