Locus highlights importance of a level playing field in the PSI marketplace

The Locus Association today welcomes the Government's plans for more transparency, efficiency, and open access to Government data, as expressed in the recently-released 'Frontline First: Smart Government' document, and the associated Operational Efficiency Programme Asset Portfolio. Locus is very supportive of the focus in both documents on Government "radically opening up data and public information", increasing "transparency by publishing unprecedented amounts of information and data about the institutions, expenditure and people that serve the public", publishing data using "open standards", and "delivering better public services for lower cost."

Locus, however, has real concerns about the emphasis in the documents on positioning many public sector bodies to become more focused on exploiting commercial opportunities in competition with the private sector.  By encouraging Government bodies, including Ordnance Survey, the Land Registry, local authorities, and the Met Office to act more commercially, Government is creating an environment where access to public information will be commercially rationed.

Further, there is no mention in either document of current regulators, such as the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) being strengthened, despite a number of Government reports that have made it clear that without strong regulation, public sector information holders will always have an unfair advantage in the information marketplace. Locus is particularly concerned that the Office of Fair Trading’s CUPI study findings do not appear to be met by these proposals.

Audrey Mandela, Locus Chairman, said “Locus is disappointed with these recent announcements and believes Government has missed a real opportunity to address the lack of fair competition in the PSI marketplace in the UK, and to ensure that its monopolies trade fairly. Locus has continuously called for a level playing field in the Public Sector Information marketplace and we have real concerns about the emphasis in the Asset Portfolio on better equipping Ordnance Survey and other public sector bodies to take advantage of the changing landscape, and increase competition with private sector companies.  We have an innovative and vibrant private sector in the UK PSI marketplace and it is essential that any change in the Government’s role occurs within a framework that includes adequate regulation, and ensures that its PSI holders do not have an unfair advantage.”

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Notes for Editors:

1.       Locus was established in autumn 2005 and formally launched on 26th January 2006. The Association’s President is a former Director General of the OFT and Oftel, Sir Bryan Carsberg.

2.       The Association exists to raise awareness of, and promote the development of, a healthy and competitive private sector in relation to PSI. Locus acts as a forum for exchange of information, keeps its members up to date with latest policy developments, and provides advice and guidance. Our members recognise the potential of PSI, but also the benefit of uniting to address some of the challenges and pooling resources to meet them. It is worth noting that the particular nature of the PSI market structure, where individual private sector organisations have limited influence, lends itself to the development of a trade body.

3.       Enquiries: Harriet Crosthwaite - 020 7340 6260 or harriet@quintuspa.com