Bolton Council is making its data more accessible than ever as the launch of a new website underscores a commitment to transparency and digital innovation.
Data sets covering everything from public health to parking charges are now available at www.opendata.bolton.gov.uk with more data to be added later in the year.
It marks the first time the council’s data has been made accessible in a single place, making it easier for anyone to use the information for analysis or research.
The council will shortly be adding a “suggest a dataset” function so the public can request information that is not already available.
Last year, as part of the open data agenda, the council worked with the University of Bolton to hold a “hackathon”.
Students were given access to the council’s environmental data and tasked with presenting the information in new and innovative ways to help improve public understanding of climate change.
Data transparency sits alongside the council’s broader Digital Bolton programme which aims to use the latest technology to provide faster and more efficient services to local communities.
Cllr Nadim Muslim, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for Digital, said:
“Bolton Council has always been committed to transparency, openness and accountability to the residents we serve.
“In the digital age, this responsibility extends to the vast amount of data that local authorities and other large organisations hold.
“We are committed to making as much data as possible available to the public through this new website.”