Britain bid to be most transparent govt in world

David Cameron government launches a consultation exercise to open government data for public access.

Britain has launched a consultation exercise to further open government data for public access through a new body,Public Data Corporation,and has the most open data agenda of any government in the world.

For the first time,the corporation will bring together government bodies and data into one organisation and provide an unprecedented level of easily accessible public information and increase efficiency in public services.

In a letter to cabinet colleagues,Prime Minister David Cameron said,”If our transparency focus over the last 12 months has been on opening up core central government data in areas,such as spending,our priority

for the next year will be to release new data on the performance of public services.”

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He added,”This revolution in the government transparency will make it easier than ever before for the public to make informed choices between providers and hold government to account for the performance of key public services.”

Launching the public consultation on 4 August,Cabinet Office Minister Frances Maude said,”The British government is determined to have the most ambitious open data agenda of any government in the world. It is an incredibly brave step for any government to become this open,but this is the approach we want to take to create public accountability and efficiency in our services and for economic and social growth.”

The Public Data Corporation is expected to open opportunities for innovative developers,businesses and people for social and economic growth using data,official sources said.

By bringing valuable government data together,governed by a consistent set of principles on data collection,maintenance,production and charging,the government can share best practice,drive efficiencies and create innovative public services for citizens and businesses.

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The consultation invites views on a number of issues,including enhancing a “right to data,” setting transparency standards; holding public service providers to account; making the public sector more open; and whether there is a role for the government to stimulate enterprise and market using open data.