Data.gov.uk

I feel a tiny shudder of pride to see Data.gov.uk launched today. It was a stream of work that was set in motion through the work of the Power of Information Task force, chaired by the great former Lib Dem MP, Richard Allan.

The site will act as a resource for the many who want to make our world a better, easier place to live. Perhaps more importantly from an elected representative’s perspective, it marks a milestone in cultural change for the civil service that many thought would never happen. The data sets that are being liberated make the public sector just that little bit more accountable. I’m not sure where the site will go but I do know that the small number of civil servants who worked with Tim Berners Lee and Nigel Shadbolt to make it happen deserve our respect and admiration. They swam against the tide and for once, they’ve succeeded.

Prospect magazine has an interesting insight into the story of Data.gov.uk. I can’t wait to read the full story.