Darren Johnson – London Assembly Member and Lewisham Cllr – green Party

Notes on his comments at Making a Difference with Data.

• data is essential as part of our scrutiny role.
• we find getting hold of data takes up a good chunk of our time – and our support staff.
• generally we have problems – officials often reluctant to release raw data to members and meners of the public
• I’ve started to request that all data I ask for goes on the London datastore so it’s shared [great thing to do]
• changing the way we make policy – all data we use to make policy is getting shared, which speeds up the analysis of the policy by scrutiny easier.
• Sharing tree information across London changed tree planting approach – but three years ago it is still like pulling teeth to release the data again.
• need open and complete information on publicly owned land.
• on average it costs £300 to answer and Assembly members question.  With open data fewer questions will be asked and so less admin needs to happen – he hopes.