Policy paper

National Data Library: progress update, January 2026

Update on the discovery phase, guidelines for AI-ready data and 5 projects testing improved data sharing approaches.

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Published: 26 January 2026

Documents

National Data Library: progress update, January 2026

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This update covers:

• the discovery phase, including citizen and stakeholder engagement, and review and consideration of external expert views and international best practice.
• 2 new publications: guidelines for releasing government datasets for AI and an survey on the opportunities for public sector data

• 5 new projects exploring how connecting data across public services could help:

  • target energy bill support
  • reduce administrative burdens for people with long-term health conditions
  • improve adult social care planning
  • support businesses with access to legal information
  • enable better use of and climate weather data

These projects follow a test-learn-grow approach. They are designed to explore what works, capture lessons, and inform future decisions about data sharing across the public sector.

The government will set out more details on the National Data Library in spring 2026.

Published 26 January 2026