RSS Inquiry into Access to Government Datasets

[Mick Johnston]

Have you had difficulty accessing major datasets funded/commissioned by government departments or other funding bodies? The Statistics Users Forum in conjunction with the Social Research Association and the Academy of Social Sciences is investigating whether there is a problem and if so what could be done to help improve access. There is a workshop on 21 April and the HSN will be represented if you believe access to housing datasets is a problem. This is a matter of great concern to the social science community. StatSUG, the body recognised by the UK Statistics Authority to deal with user/producer issues, has requested evidence so now is the time to raise issues if there are any. If you are aware of any problems relating to access to housing datasets please provide basic information here. Click on POSTREPLY below to enter your message.

[TonyBlack]

Geographic analysis of social housing data held in the National Register of Social Housing (NROSH) is seriously hampered by the Ordnance Survey fees and licensing terms that have had to be incorporated into the licenses for the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG). They are prohibitive for many housing associations and also restrict local authorities, regional bodies and other analysts. See attached note. If you would like more information about the NLPG and how it can be licensed please contact Nick Turner (Business Development Manager at Intelligent Addressing Ltd), nturner@intelligent-addressing.co.uk or 0207 747 3500.