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Market Study on Commercial Use of Public Information (CUPI)

OFT announced their market study into the commercial use of public information in July 2005 and published its report on 7 December 2006. The government has now responded (June 2007). See linked document on the right.

Background

One of the OFT’s current priority themes concerns the interaction between government and markets and specifically the impact the public sector can have on the way markets work. The other key issue is the estimated potential value of public sector information within the economy. OFT has estimated that the market could increase from £400m to over £1billion annually.

There are a large number of public sector bodies in the UK which collect and produce a rich and diverse range of information in the course of their activities. For example Ordnance Survey is responsible for official, definitive surveying and topographical mapping in a variety of formats, and the Met Office provides forecasts and information to allow others to make decisions about the weather.

Public sector information holders (PSIHs) are usually the only source for much of this raw data, and although some make this available to businesses for free, others charge. A number of PSIHs also compete with businesses in turning the raw information into value-added products and services. This could enable PSIHs to restrict access to information provided solely by themselves.

OFT Market Study

The OFT study found that raw information is not as easily available as it should be, licensing arrangements are restrictive, prices are not always linked to costs and PSIHs may be charging higher prices to competing businesses and giving them less attractive terms than their own value-added operations.

The report has also found that much of the legislation and guidance, which aims to ensure access to information is provided on an equal basis, lacks clarity and is inadequately monitored. As a result the full benefits of public sector information are not being realised.

The full OFT report and annexes can be found at the OFT web site.

Government Response

The government welcomes the recommendations, and is able to accept the majority at this point. There are some that require further work. Full details are given in the published government response document available for download on the right.