The report, commissioned by GeoPlace LLP and conducted by location strategy consultants ConsultingWhere, provides a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) of the impact of address and street data that GeoPlace collates, across local authorities in England and Wales. The study updates a previous analysis undertaken in 2018.
Precise location information is essential for local authorities to deliver services. By adopting and using Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs) and Unique Street Reference Number (USRNs) to join disparate systems, councils can derive the valuable insights needed to deliver area-based services effectively on the ground.
The research study shows that savings are most likely through benefits that could be derived in adult social care, education, planning, and environmental health and data integration.
The report highlighted several barriers to local authorities achieving greater value. These included:
In addition, earlier use of authoritative street and address data in the planning cycle would assist in better realising its potential and value to each authority.
The analysis showed that the use of address and street data in England and Wales had already delivered increased revenue streams and cost savings of an estimated GBP 250 million over the previous 5 years.
It also predicted generation GBP 384m savings over the period 2022-2026 – particularly through benefits derived in adult social care, education, planning, environmental health and data integration. This represents an enhanced Return on Investment (RoI) of around 6:1. For every GBP 1 invested in using address and street data more effectively has the potential to deliver GBP 6 in cost efficiencies and increased revenue.
After applying HM Treasury Discount Rate, the total net benefits over the 10-year period from 2017–26 are expected to be £636m, representing an overall RoI of 5:1.
The study found that many authorities had already used address and street data effectively to build innovative services – improving efficiency, aiding revenue collection, and offering better customer service. Six specific use cases showcase the discounted benefits for local government as a whole in the following areas:
Highways Asset Management – GBP 190.7 million
Waste management – GBP 180 million
Customer Relationship Management – GBP 167.9 million
Non-Domestic Rates – GBP 74.9 million
Data Integration – GBP 171 million
Adult Social Care – GBP 9.8 million
Total discounted benefits – GBP 794.3 million