Government foreshadows significant savings for public bodies as part of data protection overhaul
The Government's agenda for the next Parliamentary session as set out in the King’s speech of 7 November 2023 included much-anticipated changes to the UK’s data protection regime that will be brought about by the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (Bill).
The Bill will amend the UK’s retained version of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (the UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. It aims to streamline the efficiency of data processing by public authorities through the cutting of administration and red tape. The Bill is estimated to “unlock” £2.5bn for the public sector over the course of 10 years and this is expected to come from an increase in productivity and savings to compliance costs and law enforcement/intelligence bodies.
In the context of law enforcement, approximately 1.5 million hours could be saved by removing the requirement to record a justification every time personal data is accessed or disclosed. The total cost savings for law enforcement could be in the region of £46.5m per year.
Public authorities and organisations with existing and well established risk assessments can streamline their data protection risk assessments through alignment with existing processes. Essentially, reducing the time and effort necessary to focus on data protection in order to increase the time and effort available for productivity.
Overall, the benefit to public authorities all seem to come by way of a reduction in effort input and what can be viewed as a ‘watered-down’ approach to data protection. Savings to law enforcement come as a result of unregulated access to individuals’ data without an obligation to record the same. Savings to compliance costs and an increase in productivity can simply be viewed as consequences of the reduction in activities to ‘comply’ with in the first place.
Contact
Matthew Thompson
Solicitor Apprentice
matthew.thompson@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 2487
Related services and sectors
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
Martyn's Law: A closer look at the UK's new proposed anti-terror measures
Legal Update
A new digital era: Coimisiún na Meán publishes Online Safety Code
In Person Event
Claims Club: Birmingham
In Person Event
Claims Club: London
Legal Update
e-Evidence Package: Increased obligations on service providers to cooperate with data requests from law enforcement authorities
Legal Update
Building an inclusive workplace: strategies for attracting and retaining disabled talent
Legal Update
After a pause, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) regulation becomes one step closer
Legal Update
The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
Published Article - DORA
Digital Operational Resilience Act: Key considerations ahead of the 17 January 2025 compliance deadline
In Person Event
Public sector planning club
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: October 2024
Legal Update
New amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules and their impact
Press Release
Browne Jacobson sponsors public sector think tank on new report
Legal Update
Insurability by design: Increased transparency for vehicle manufacturers and insurers
Legal Update
Supreme Court clarifies public authority liability: Police duty of care in negligence cases
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
Labour’s employment law reforms: Employment Rights Bill unveiled
Legal Update
Working together to support student wellbeing
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to provide legal services to public bodies across UK after appointment on inaugural YPO framework
Legal Update
Organisational approaches to ESG matters
Legal Update
Romance fraud, online scams and cyber fraud: How banks are now protecting your money
Legal Update
Balancing acts: Navigating the complex risks in adult social care provision
Legal Update - Procurement Act
What suppliers to the Welsh public sector need to know about the Procurement Act 2023
Press Release
Browne Jacobson and CBI roundtable explores how to finance public infrastructure post-PFI
Legal Update
Attendance management checklist for schools
Training
Register your interest to join our next Home Delivery Academy
Legal Update
What does the Supreme Court decision in Tesco v USDAW mean for NHS employers?
Legal Update
Is Companies House turning the tide against facilitators of fraud?
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Modification of contracts existing before the go-live date of the Procurement Act 2023
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Decisions of the Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel
Legal Update
Strike breakthrough: Junior doctors agree to pay deal, ending prolonged industrial action
Legal Update
Navigating new advertising restrictions on junk food
Legal Update
Impending reform of defamation law in Ireland: The Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024
Legal Update
Delivering EV charging infrastructure: The local government perspective
Legal Update - Procurement Act
The Procurement Act 2023: What’s changing and getting prepared
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Act 2023: Are you ready?
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Procurement Act 2023 implementation date delayed: Here’s what you need to do now
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to provide legal advice to North West public bodies after contract award
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Contract management and performance
Legal Update
Changes to attendance requirements for schools
