We are thrilled to announce that the Data (Use and Access) Bill (“the Act”) has received Royal Assent, marking a significant milestone for the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR). This legislation is a testament to the importance of NUAR in transforming the way we manage and interact with underground apparatus.
What’s next for NUAR
Although the Bill is now an Act of Parliament, there remains further work before its measures can take effect. The framework set out in the Act will be implemented through secondary legislation (for more information about the legislative process please see our previous blog). We look forward to working with stakeholders during the next phase of NUAR’s implementation through secondary legislation.
The secondary legislation will allow NUAR to operate as a statutory register and deliver a more streamlined, efficient, and safer approach to managing information about the UK's vast network of buried pipes and cables.
Key Benefits of the Legislation
- Modernised Information Sharing: The Act establishes that owners of underground apparatus (referred to as “undertakers” in the Act) will be required to upload information about their in-street apparatus to NUAR once the measures come into force. Once in force, the measures will also remove the requirement for asset owners to share information individually with those planning and carrying out street works, improving efficiency for both the information requestor and the information provider. NUAR is envisaged to deliver over £400 million per year of economic growth through increased efficiency, reduced strikes on buried apparatus and reduced disruptions for the public and businesses.
- Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: The UK has a complex network of buried apparatus comprising around 4 million kilometres of underground pipes and cables. A hole is dug every 7 seconds to install, fix and maintain these apparatus which results in around 60,000 accidental strikes every year. Once the secondary legislation comes into force, NUAR will ensure that those relying on information from NUAR to carry out their street works will have access to up to date, comprehensive, and standardised information, enabling them to carry out their tasks more effectively and safely.
- Sustainable Service: As a statutory register NUAR will lead to efficiency benefits for asset owners. As such, it is only right that they contribute to the cost of running the service. The Act enables recovery of the operational costs, which are currently projected between £5 and £10m pa, from asset owners. This will ensure that the NUAR service is sustainable and not reliant on taxpayer funding. The government has funded the full build cost of NUAR and is not seeking to recover these costs from the sector.
- Broader Applications: While the primary focus of NUAR remains on safe digging, the legislation also allows for data to be made available for other purposes, through other channels, and to other user groups where appropriate, at the discretion of the Secretary of State. This opens up new possibilities for using information obtained from NUAR , while maintaining robust security and access principles, to support various initiatives and innovations. Should any of these opportunities be technically feasible, of value and in the public interest, future secondary legislation may be required to allow NUAR information to be used in this way. For more information on this work please see our recent blog.
Looking Ahead
NUAR’s progress, from the initial pilots in 2019-20, to the launch of the minimum viable product in 2023 and going live in Northern Ireland in 2024, has reached a new major milestone with the passing of the Act. We are now poised to deliver NUAR as a statutory register while continuing to enhance NUAR further. Our next steps include:
- Delivering Secondary Legislation: Secondary legislation is required to implement and enforce the measures outlined in the Act. Collaboration with asset owners, local authorities, and other stakeholders will be crucial as we apply the new legal framework and ensure that NUAR meets the needs of all users. Register your interest in receiving future NUAR policy updates.
- Expanding Coverage: NUAR recently passed another major milestone, with 300 asset owners information being shared through the service. We will continue to work towards achieving comprehensive coverage of underground apparatus across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, to ensure that those accessing NUAR have the information they need to carry out their works safely and efficiently.
- Platform and Service Development: Government will continue to work closely with stakeholders to drive the development of the NUAR platform and service. This includes actively seeking feedback through regular workshops, interviews, and advisory group meetings to identify areas for improvement and innovation. By incorporating stakeholder insights, we aim to enhance the platform's functionality, user experience, and technical capabilities, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of its users and remains at the forefront of industry standards.
- For now, nothing changes for you: Asset owners providing information to NUAR, and those using NUAR for planning and carrying out street works will receive ample notice regarding the coming into force of NUAR measures. In addition to this notice period, we intend to engage with the sector to discuss their implementation through secondary legislation (for more information about primary and secondary legislation see our previous blog). We welcome your participation in shaping NUAR's development, ensuring it delivers lasting value for the sector.
Conclusion
The Royal Assent of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, now the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, is a landmark for NUAR and for the UK's approach to managing underground apparatus. We are excited about the opportunities this new statutory footing brings and are committed to delivering a safer, more efficient, and innovative service for all its users.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration as we embark on this next chapter for NUAR.
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1 comment
Comment by Chris Chambers posted on
Great job NUAR team and everyone else who worked with you to get here!