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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

This FAQ will be added to over time. Please contact us if you have questions about the website and/or datasets.

What has been changed on the new website?
We've made the following changes:

How often is the website updated?
The website is updated every fortnight with new and revised datasets. You can register for an email alert identifying all changes to the signposted datasets. The what's new page also identifies all new and revised datasets.

What data sources and suppliers have been included in the Data for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration signposting website?
This project is based on detailed examination of a range of sources, providing a robust and comprehensive signposting tool of what data is available for neighbourhood renewal practitioners. We interviewed a range of data owners and users, as well as carrying out desk-based research into online data-sources and relevant literature. The initial project was carried out over September and October 2005, with a major update carried out in July and August 2007 and a subsequent update in September 2008. This website links to data sources across Central Government and other national agencies, including:

Who is this project aimed at?
The emphasis on evidence-based delivery and decision making means that there is an increased need for detailed information on neighbourhood renewal issues. The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) commissioned this “Data for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration” project to identify and signpost datasets and resources to help local partnerships target and monitor local programmes. This resource is likely to be used by those preparing the Local Area Agreements, LSP coordinators, those working at a neighbourhood level: indeed anyone seeking to get a robust understanding of patterns below the district level. The data and resources highlighted here are therefore aimed at people working on a variety of questions such as:

So how do we make effective use of this data and information - is there a source for case studies and what works?
The Analytical tools link on the top left (labelled with a small yellow square) links to guidance on how to obtain, analyse, interpret and present data. Documents on the site include how to guides, case studies, project summaries and much more. Wherever possible, the documents are based on evaluated evidence.

Why have a signposting tool at all? Doesn't the Office for National Statistics Neighbourhood Statistics website act as a "one-stop-shop"?
Many Local Partnerships and other groups involved in neighbourhood regeneration have highlighted the need for a comprehensive signposting tool - "we need information on what information is available". Additionally, many data sources are not included on the Neighbourhood Statistics website but are available from other sources. This Data for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration project and website commissioned by CLG aims to meet this need.

Where else can we get more detailed data on X?
Many datasets are not freely available from national sources. In particular Local Partnerships may share data that is not available publicly, for example detailed small area crime datasets. Other data suppliers may provide data directly to users for a fee, for example the Land Registry provide house price sale data for individual properties.

What happens when new datasets are published?
The Data for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration website is updated every fortnight to include new datasets that have been released, as well as other relevant datasets we become aware of. If you think there are datasets that should be included here, please contact us.

How can we use the resources on this website on our own websites? What about "interoperability"?
You can use the resources on this website in three different ways:

I've got a query that isn't answered here, what can I do?
Please contact us with any comments, queries and/or feedback. We will add to this list of "Frequently asked questions" over time.