The UK government has published an update on the National Data Library (NDL), outlining the work completed so far and how public sector data could be used more effectively to improve services
The update on the NDL was published on 26 January 2026 and shows early delivery projects and highlights further details to come later this year.
The initiative aims to treat data as a strategic national asset while maintaining public trust and strong safeguards.
Laying the foundations
The last year has focused strongly on a discovery phase to shape the future role and design of the National Data Library.
This work has brought together evidence from public attitude research, engagement with businesses, academics and public bodies, and insights from expert organisations such as the Open Data Institute and the Wellcome Trust.
Senior data leaders across government have been brought together to begin changing how public sector data is managed and shared. An independent Expert Advisory Group has also been established to challenge and support the programme, drawing on expertise from industry, academia, and civil society.
Officials have also reviewed existing data-sharing initiatives, assessed the performance of data.gov.uk, and examined international best practice in countries including Denmark, Estonia, and Singapore.
Testing new ways to unlock data
Part of the update is the launch of five “Kickstarter” projects designed to deliver real-world benefits while testing new approaches to data access.
These Kickstarter projects include work to better target energy bill support by securely linking data held across government, and a project aimed at reducing administrative burdens for people with long-term health conditions by improving how services share information.
Other pilots focus on improving access to adult social care data, enabling AI-powered legal guidance for small businesses using authoritative legal records, and expanding the use of weather and climate data to help organisations plan for severe weather and long-term climate change.
These projects aim to demonstrate how better-connected data can enable faster support, smarter decision-making, and more resilient services.
The update allows the NDL to be part of a wider ambition to strengthen the UK’s data economy, already the largest in Europe. Public sector data, generated through services, research, and regulation, is seen as a powerful resource that could deliver greater impact when combined with modern digital infrastructure and AI.
Improved data sharing could help the UK attract global talent, develop world-leading public services, and better understand the value of data as a national asset. The government also stresses the importance of maintaining public confidence through proportionate regulation, transparency, and strong privacy protections.
Building on what already works
The report points to several existing initiatives already delivering value. These include the National Underground Asset Register, which is generating hundreds of millions of pounds in economic benefits, and the Department for Education Content Store, which supports innovation in educational technology.
Large-scale programmes such as the Health Data Research Service and the Better Outcomes through Linked Data programme show how secure access to linked datasets can support research, policy development, and service improvement. The pairing of powerful compute infrastructure with major datasets, including through Isambard AI and Genomics England, is also highlighted as a key strength.
Further details on the NDL are expected in spring 2026.
