The Hub

The Hub is a secure online data repository for national indicator data. It allows central government departments and regional offices, local authorities, local strategic partnerships, inspectorates and other relevant organisations to deposit and/or access NI data from a single location.

Access to the Hub
The Hub can be accessed online via the info4local website. Access to national indicator data within the Hub is determined by a system of user permissions. Designated administrators within government offices, local strategic partnerships and local authorities can register users within their organisations. A guide to user permissions can be downloaded from the Hub website.

Hub Communications
The Hub and related news and information resources including frequently asked questions, fact sheets and timetables for submission and availability of data are located on the Hub website.

The Hub Forum
A discussion forum is available for local authorities and partners to exchange information and knowledge in relation to the Hub and the collection and analysis of national indicator data. This is hosted by esdToolkit.


The National Indicator Set

There are a range of processes used to capture data for the set of national indicators. There are currently a small number of indicators which local authorities are required to input directly to the Hub. The vast majority of indicators are collected from local authorities by government departments through established data returns and reporting mechanisms.

National indicator handbook of definitions
A published handbook of definitions is available to download.

A companion document of definitions revised since the release of the original handbook was published in February 2009. Please note that this document includes revised definitions only.


Technical Support

Hub Helpdesk
For enquiries related to the Hub including password registration, navigation or functionality, data content, technical error or failure and general feedback or suggestions, please email the Hub Helpdesk: placescommunityhelp@communities.gsi.gov.uk

National indicator technical definitions
The Audit Commission provide support for enquiries related to National Indicator technical definitions.