Locus welcomes Department for Communities and Local Government Ordnance Survey Consultation

The Locus Association welcomed the publication in late December of the Consultation on access to Ordnance Survey data by the Department for Communities and Local Government, following the announcement at the Smarter Government seminar held in November at Number 10 Downing Street.

Locus is encouraged to see that the Consultation document recognizes the importance of a fair and level playing field for private sector companies in the geographic market; the foreword from John Denham, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, says, “We recognise that Ordnance Survey operates in a commercial marketplace and so any change must be implemented carefully to manage the impact on Ordnance Survey customers and partners.”

However, Locus is concerned that overall the Consultation appears to be focused more on finding “a sustainable business model” for Ordnance Survey than on stimulating the use of location information in a fair way. Further, the Consultation appears to advocate light-touch regulation (which it implies has been successful despite evidence to the contrary), and to dismiss marginal cost pricing.

The Consultation also requires respondents to comment on three options for Ordnance Survey’s future, while Locus believes more variations on these options should be considered. Finally, the issue of OS’s Public Task is not part of this Consultation; Locus would have like to have seen more information on the thinking behind how OS should establish its new Public Task.

Audrey Mandela, Locus Chairman, said “Locus hopes that the Consultation process ultimately results in the changes that are needed to afford the private sector a more equitable PSI arena in which to operate. We and our members look forward to submitting our responses to the Consultation, and offering our views on the best way forward for the UK’s geographic information market.”

ENDS –

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 7618 9100 or harrietcrosthwaite@luther.co.uk/