UK Government Invests £1.5m In Open Data Projects

In an announcement this week, the UK government said it will be releasing £1.5m to open data projects across the country as part of a new Release of Data fund.

The investment comes from the Cabinet Office and bids will be managed by the Open Data User Group, which acts as a bridge between Whitehall and the open data community.

It comes as part of a government initiative to improve its transparency and accountability by making public sector data available to a wider audience.

“The UK is a world-leader in opening up data because we know that it creates a more accountable, efficient and effective government,” claimed Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude.

“Open data is a raw material for economic growth, supporting the creation of new markets, business and jobs and helping us compete in the global race.

“To ensure this agenda continues to thrive, we are supporting a number of projects which will drive forward this culture of openness,” he added.

The announcement says the fund is intended to aid public sector organisations in actively releasing their data and improve the future availability of information.

It also adds that the money will help finance 100 training places for senior public servants. These will cover how open data can improve efficiency, brings savings and innovation and provide wider economic benefits.

The Leeds Data Mill is one example of an open data initiative. Its aim is to make information about public services in the city freely available for anyone, including businesses, who may want to use it.

The government gives the following as examples of open data case studies: Legislative Openness, Beach Selecta, the Guardian Good GCSE guide, data.police.uk, Fix My Street and Contracts Finder.

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