The start of a new year offers a vital opportunity to identify the trends and structural changes expected to shape the world of geographical data over the next 12 months. From the launch of a centralised National Data Library to significant shifts in how the ONS and devolved nations prioritise their outputs, 2026 marks the year of streamlining in the UK’s statistical landscape.

For those who rely on localised data to inform policy and strategy, understanding these changes is essential. Here are the key data trends to watch in 2026:

Development of a National Data Library

First introduced in the Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto, the National Data Library (NDL) was envisioned as a cornerstone for driving innovation. The programme aims to consolidate existing research and facilitate the delivery of data-driven public services while maintaining robust safeguards for public benefit.

Insights from a post-election roundtable identified several key opportunities for the NDL:

• Enhanced regional analysis: Curated datasets will provide better opportunities to examine regional issues and develop targeted interventions.
• Evidence-based policy: The library will serve as a vital tool for improving public services and policymaking.
• Asset harmonisation: The NDL will link and deconflict disparate public data assets to create a unified view.
• Private sector collaboration: Incorporating private sector data will provide richer insights for all users.

Throughout 2025, the NDL was integrated into the government’s ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ and championed by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP.

Following a symposium at King’s College London and a recent contest for its architectural design, developments point towards 2026 as the year the National Data Library begins to take form.

ONS prioritisation and digital transformation

At the end of 2025, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced a significant shift in its strategy, alongside the launch of a new website. To prioritise “quality over quantity,” the ONS is reducing its subnational and health-related datasets starting in 2026.

Resources are being reallocated to focus on “vital statistics,” including prices, GDP, the labour market, population estimates, and preparations for the 2031 Census. Consequently, outputs for sub-national data, health, crime and international statistics will be reduced by approximately 10%. 

While the ONS aims to streamline information to better meet audience needs, the decision has faced pushback. Organisations like Centre for Cities have urged the ONS to maintain subnational data as a core priority, arguing its necessity for understanding local economic health.

You can read more about ONS prioritisation here.

Renewed statistical strategy for Wales

Following the launch of its new Open Data Service in 2025, Wales is implementing a renewed strategy for its statistical outputs in 2026. The Welsh Government aims to build a more sustainable and efficient analytical infrastructure to streamline publications and meet the rising demand for timely releases.

The strategy focuses on maintaining high-value data while leveraging tools like StatsWales to simplify reporting. In the health sector, reports on mental health will be condensed, though the raw data available on StatsWales will expand. Similarly, education reports – including those on Learning Grants and youth work – will be shortened while maintaining full datasets for public access. 

The hope is that these changes free up resources and allow the government to respond flexibly to the demands of the new Senedd following the 2026 elections.

Poverty and inequality statistics in Scotland

March 2026 will see significant updates to Scotland’s poverty and inequality statistics. These publications will move from data.gov.scot to the main Scottish Government website for improved consistency and quality.

The data collection process is also evolving: by linking administrative records with the Family Resources Survey (FRS), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) aims to reduce reporting burdens while improving coverage. 

Additionally, absolute poverty measures will be re-based, shifting the reference year from 2010-11 to 2024-25. These revisions are a precursor to further statistical refinements planned for 2027.

Indices of Deprivation 2025/26

Following the release of the Indices of Deprivation for England (October 2025) and Wales (November 2025), 2026 will be the year of analysis and application. These indices provide the most granular picture of relative deprivation across small areas, serving as a key asset for organisations looking to influence policy ahead of the devolved elections.

In Wales, the 2026 Senedd election will see the introduction of significant boundary changes that will fundamentally alter how these datasets are interpreted. The reduction from 40 to 16 constituencies means that each electoral area will be much larger and more socio-economically diverse. As a result, newly elected MSs are far more likely to represent constituencies that encompass a broader spectrum of deprivation.

Later this year, Scotland is expected to release its own new iteration of the Indices. For public affairs professionals, this data is essential for engagement with new MSPs, facilitating hyper-relevant discussions on how deprivation impacts specific local areas.

You can learn more about the application of the Indices of Deprivation in the video below: