The new Data Use and Access Bill was recently introduced in Parliament. It aims to improve public services and add £10 billion to the UK economy over the next decade
The new bill focuses on using data to improve efficiency in important sectors such as healthcare and policing, while also maintaining strict safeguards to protect personal information.
Key aims and outcomes of the new bill
One of the key aims of the bill is to facilitate operations within the police force.
By reducing bureaucratic tasks, officers will free up 1.5 million hours annually, allowing them to concentrate on crime prevention and community safety. This could help save taxpayers £42.8 million each year.
Within the NHS, the new bill will enable real-time sharing of patient data across different healthcare providers. This is expected to free up 140,000 staff hours each year, leading to quicker decision-making and potentially saving more lives.
The Bill seeks to enable real-time sharing of patient data across various healthcare providers in the NHS. This measure is expected to free up 140,000 staff hours each year, facilitate quicker decision-making, and potentially save lives.
By improving communication between healthcare systems, the Bill will be able to create a more cohesive and responsive NHS.
The legislation plans to establish a national map of the UK’s underground infrastructure. This initiative, known as the National Underground Asset Register, will help minimise excavation accidents that disrupt services and create traffic issues.
By making utility companies register their underground assets, the government’s plan hopes to reduce the £2.4 billion economic cost associated with these disruptions.
A simpler life for citizens
The bill also hopes to help simplify everyday tasks for citizens, this includes renting homes and registering key events like births and deaths.
It introduces digital verification services, allowing for secure and trusted online identity checks. This system looks to ease administrative burdens, which will in the long run benefit consumers and businesses.
By improving data sharing across various sectors, the legislation will create a conducive environment for innovations such as open banking, which has already seen significant growth and job creation in recent years. The economic boost from these changes could reach around £10 billion over the next ten years.
By using data responsibly, the government can improve public services and healthcare, while also boosting economic growth and leading to a simpler daily life for citizens.
