11 August 2005

Update on the National Spatial Address Infrastructure

Following the publication of the outline prospectus on the National Spatial Address Infrastructure (NSAI) by ODPM in May 2005, the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) and Ordnance Survey have been in discussions on the agreements necessary to underpin the proposed infrastructure.

However, Ordnance Survey and IDeA announced today that plans to transfer ownership of the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) to Ordnance Survey as an input to the NSAI had not reached agreement within the original timescales.  Further negotiations on the transfer have been suspended whilst all parties consider the implications for the future. 

Both organisations entered into the contractual negotiations in good faith. During the detailed consideration of all aspects of these arrangements it has not been possible to reach agreement on how NLPG could readily become part of the National Spatial Address Infrastructure which would be available under a Crown Copyright licence.

Jim Fitzpatrick, the Local eGovernment Minister in the ODPM said: “I am disappointed that Ordnance Survey and IDeA are unable to proceed as planned with the creation of the National Spatial Address Infrastructure. Given that addressing is a critical piece of infrastructure I hope the parties will continue to consider options to meet the objectives set out in the prospectus we published in May. ODPM continues to offer its active support in achieving this.”

Notes for editors

• Christopher Veraa at IDeA – 020 7296 6144 or christopher.veraa@idea.gov.uk
  

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