What is data?

Data is information that has been gathered. This is done by both local and central government. A collection of data is known as a dataset. This can cover a range of subjects. For example, it can cover the names of ward councillors, election results and all spend over £500 by a local authority.

What is open data?

Open data is information presented in a machine readable format so that it can be read as well as being re-used and repurposed.

Why is releasing open data important to local and national government?

It can help transparency. It can help accountability. It can help secure value for money and savings.

This is supported by Government, Communities and Local Government. Minister Eric Pickles asked local government to publish all council spending over £500 as part of a spending transparency project.

Who can use the data?

Anyone. You can download the information. You are free to use this data in a wide variety of applications and we licence use in accordance with the same licence as the Government’s own data repository data.gov.uk http://data.gov.uk/terms-and-conditions

What does ‘REDACTED’ mean?

This means that a piece of information has been removed from publication. This can be for a number of reasons set out by Government. This could be because the information is personal data and could identify an individual, such as a foster carer, a location of a women’s refuge, a council tax benefit recipient or could be information that is commercially confidential.

In the spending transparency data set why are schools not included?

We are publishing the information in the summer while schools are on holiday. Their data will be updated in September when they return.

Why are we publishing open data Freedom of Information requests?

In the spirit of openness, we are looking to make public answers that arise from open data. This will help reduce the need for FOI.

What data will be published by Walsall Council?

We are looking to expand the amount of data available in an open data format and we are looking to update regularly.

What happens if I have a query on a line of data?

Most subsequent queries may well be solved by a simple email which you can send to: opendata@walsall.gov.uk. You can also email foi@walsall.gov.uk which has a target of a reply within 20 working days.