Accessing datasets: access arrangements for sensitive versions of DWP data
Published 5 July 2013
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has completed its review of the access arrangements it requires for the sensitive versions of the ‘family resources survey’, ‘households below average income’ and ‘pensioners’ incomes’ data previously released under the special licence. DWP has concluded that a higher level of security is required for them to continue making these data available.
Potential users of these data will only be able to access them via the UK Data Service’s safe room at the UK Data Archive. Find out more about the application process.
This decision reflects DWP-specific requirements, which are based in part on legislation affecting DWP alone. This is why other organisations are able to release data of similar sensitivity by special licence while DWP can’t.
DWP regrets the inconvenience this will place on the user community but without arrangements that meet this higher standard DWP could not give access to data of this sensitivity. However, these additional security requirements have enabled the inclusion of a number of additional variables which were previously not included and will increase the value and scope of the research which these data can support.
We wish to reassure users that DWP and the UK Data Service are working closely to improve access and are discussing options for transferring the data into the UK Data Service’s secure remote access system within the legal framework to which DWP data is subject.
Earlier special licence versions of these data will be available through the same secure access mechanisms.