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The Data Use and Access Bill, introduced to Parliament on 23 October, aims to save millions of hours for police officers and NHS staff by cutting unnecessary admin tasks. The government’s goal is to streamline data management, letting frontline workers spend more time serving the public instead of getting bogged down by paperwork. The Bill is expected to boost the UK economy by £10bn over the next decade.
Getting police back on the streets
The Bill will simplify how police officers access and log data, saving up to 1.5 million hours each year. Currently, officers spend significant time manually recording details whenever they look up information on suspects or persons of interest. These changes will allow officers to spend more time on patrol and active crime prevention, aligning with the government’s mission to “take back our streets.”
By freeing up police time, the Bill is expected to save taxpayers around £42.8m annually.
“As part of our mission to make streets safer, this government will bring back neighbourhood policing, ensuring thousands of additional police and community officers are out patrolling our towns and communities.
“It is vital police officers are able to dedicate their time to protecting the public on the beat, not in the office. Freeing up this valuable resource will see more officers out on our streets, making a real difference in fighting and solving crime.”
Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire.
Speeding up patient care in the NHS
For the NHS, the Bill focuses on making patient information easily accessible across different healthcare settings. Currently, staff often have to navigate through different IT systems to find a patient’s medical history, appointments, or test results. The Bill will require health IT suppliers to meet common standards, ensuring data can be shared seamlessly between NHS trusts, GP surgeries, and ambulance services.
By standardising how data is managed, the government expects to save 140,000 hours of NHS staff time each year. This efficiency will allow healthcare workers to focus more on patient care, providing faster, more informed treatment and reducing wait times. Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, said: “As an NHS doctor myself, I know it is vital that NHS staff have quicker access to more accurate and comprehensive data, giving them more face-to-face time with patients who need it most.”
Maintaining strong data security
Despite the increased focus on data sharing, the Bill ensures that privacy and security remain top priorities. Strict protocols will govern who can access sensitive information, whether for police work or healthcare, to protect patients and victims of crime. The revamped Information Commissioner’s Office will monitor compliance, enforcing high standards to keep data safe and secure.
The Bill aims to make frontline services more efficient by cutting out unnecessary admin and bureaucracy. By simplifying data access for police and NHS staff, it allows them to focus on their core responsibilities, which means more officers on the streets and quicker care for patients.
The government sees this as a key step in modernising public services. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stated, “Data is the DNA of modern life and quietly drives every aspect of our society and economy. With laws that help us to use data securely and effectively, this Bill will help us boost the UK’s economy, free up vital time for our frontline workers, and relieve people from unnecessary admin so that they can get on with their lives.”
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