The report is split into 4 parts:

1. In Part 1 of the report, we study the strategic approach taken by local authorities to making better use of data.
2. In Part 2 we summarise local authorities’ data protection work and how they are progressing sharing data with other public bodies.
3. In Part 3 we examine whether local authorities have the skills and capacity to gather, share and analyse data.
4. In Part 4 we consider how effectively local authorities use available data to agree future priorities and allocate resources.

Based on these findings, the Auditor General has concluded that local authorities are slowly developing a culture that values and uses data to its full potential to help improve services and outcomes.

Watch our video summary on YouTube [opens in new window]