Schemas define standard structures for data shared between software applications. By using consistent data structures, councils can more easily understand one another’s data and combine data across areas.

These pages give definitions for schemas defined by the LGA and related public sector organisations. Most schemas define data in comma separated values (CSV) format, as required by the Local Government Transparency Code (the Code). The Local Government Association (LGA) offers guidance on meeting the requirements of the code.

The online validation tool lets you validate CSV data for compliance with the LGA’s templates. The tool lets you say which optional fields you are including before validating your data. Further details are given in the schema guidance document.

The Inventory schema and Services Schema (Open Referral UK) are in richer XML and JSON formats respectively.