London: Britain has launched a consultation exercise to further open government data for public access through a new body called Public Data Corporation, and have `the most open data agenda` of any government in the world.
The Corporation will, for the first time, bring together government bodies and data into one organisation and provide an unprecedented level of easily accessible public information and drive further efficiency in the delivery of public services.
In a letter to cabinet colleagues, Prime Minister David Cameron said, "If our transparency focus over the past 12 months has been to open up core central government data in areas such as spending, our priority over the next year will be to release new data on the performance of public services".
He added, "This revolution in 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 yesterday, cabinet office minister Frances Maude said, "The UK 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 in order to create public accountability and efficiency in our services and to drive economic and social growth."
The Public Data Corporation is expected to open opportunities for innovative developers, businesses and members of the public to generate social and economic growth through the use of data, official sources said.
By bringing valuable Government data together, governed by a consistent set of principles around data collection, maintenance, production and charging, the Government can share best practice, drive efficiencies and create innovative public services for citizens and businesses.
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 government to stimulate enterprise and market making using open data.
PTI
