The government has named 16 local authorities as “open data champions” for their work on putting information into the hands of residents.
The councils took part in a round table event yesterday to exchange ideas about the role of open data in delivering services.
The Cabinet Office said that champions are creating opportunities for innovation, economic and social growth and better public services.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude said: “Transparency is an idea whose time has come. Open data helps sharpen accountability, support economic growth, and inform choice over public services.
“The potential rewards are enormous – smarter, more responsive and more cost-effective public services – and Britain is now consistently ranked first for openness.
“These open data champions are another way we are placing transparency at the heart of our long-term economic plan.”
Francis Maude also announced the appointment of Mike Bracken as the first ever government chief data officer, alongside his role heading up the Government Digital Service.
He will be responsible for developing a new government data standard, championing open data, and encouraging the use of data in the decision-making process.
He will also lead on developing greater data analysis skills and capability across government.
Open Data Champions
- Barnet
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cambridgeshire
- Devon
- Glasgow
- Hampshire
- Lambeth
- Leeds
- London
- Manchester
- Windsor & Maidenhead
- Redbridge
- Sunderland
- Surrey
- Trafford
