The recent introduction of ‘commencement regulations’ means that provisions made in the Digital Economy Act first passed into law nine years ago are now in full effect across the UK
The extension of public-sector data-sharing provisions across the whole of the United Kingdom “marks a significant step towards… delivering a more responsive, integrated public service system”, a minister has claimed.
New “commencement regulations” implemented in Northern Ireland on 11 February mean that some key data-sharing powers enshrined in the Digital Economy Act 2017 now apply to public bodies in all four countries of the UK.
In a recent letter to parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, digital government minister Ian Murray said that “these powers enable specified public authorities to share information to improve public services, manage and reduce debt, and combat fraud”.
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“The commencement of these information sharing powers in Northern Ireland marks a significant step towards delivering positive outcomes for citizens and delivering a more responsive, integrated public service system,” he added. “By aligning Northern Ireland with England, Wales and Scotland, the government is fostering a more unified approach to addressing data sharing challenges faced across the public sector, ultimately driving better outcomes for citizens and businesses across the United Kingdom.”
The new regulations in NI also mean that the measures set out in section 123 of the Data (Use and Access) Act passed into law last year have come into effect throughout the UK.
“Section 123 amends the DEA to extend the public service delivery power… to enable public authorities to share data to support businesses and charities,” Murray added. “Previously this power applied only for supporting individuals and households.”
