New Standard Licence developed

Today, we’ve published the beta version of a new standard licence which has been developed for use by public sector bodies which have reason to charge for the re-use of the information they produce or hold. The licence will form part of the UK Government Licensing Framework.

This new licence – under the working title of ‘Charged Licence’ – along with the Open Government Licence and the Non-Commercial Government Licence, will form a suite of ‘specified licences’ provided for in amendments to the Freedom of Information Act by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

The publication of the new licence links in with the Cabinet Office’s consultation on a new Code of Practice under section 45 of the Freedom of Information Act, which was launched today, 22 November 2012. The Code of Practice provides guidance to public bodies in meeting their new obligations to make available certain datasets under a specified licence.

At the same time as the Cabinet Office consultation we are seeking views on the new licence, and in particular we would welcome your views on the following:

• Do these simplified terms and conditions meet your needs either as a licensor or a re-user?
• The working title for the licence is the ‘Charged Licence’. Is there an alternative title you would like us to consider that better describes its purpose?

Our aim is to provide a straightforward set of terms which deliver an effective standard approach that works. We would like you to let us know if we achieve this aim, by providing your feedback.

We welcome your comments on the beta Charged Licence by 10 January 2013, to coincide with the end of the Cabinet Office consultation period. However, any feedback received after that date will help to inform our ongoing review of the licences which form part of the UK Government Licensing Framework.

Please email the Information Policy Team at The National Archives at psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk with your feedback, or leave comments below.