New research has revealed the most pressing concerns from the safe digging community regarding the Government’s National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) ahead of National Safe Digging Week which starts next Monday.
New research has revealed the most pressing concerns from the safe digging community regarding the Government’s National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) ahead of National Safe Digging Week which starts next Monday.
With the NUAR having successfully passed through Parliament as part of the Data (Use and Access) Bill in June 2025, an industry-wide survey has identified the greatest concerns which remain around the Government’s new service, ahead of its integration:
- Uncertainty over who can access NUAR
- Potential of increased risk to assets and workers
- Increased cost
The research conducted by safe digging experts, LSBUD reveals that universal access is still a worry. When asked about the level of access needed, 87% of the safe digging community agreed that everybody taking on a digging project, from large-scale construction to digging in a garden, should have access to NUAR’s data – something which is currently being worked on but has had no confirmation from the Government up to this point.
The research also found that three-quarters of the community (74%) agree it should be integrated alongside existing safe digging services to better reduce risk and improve overall safety, rather than acting as a standalone system.
In addition to this, the vast majority (92%) of industry professionals believe that a full formal consultation should take place before the service is rolled out to better understand the financial impact of the new service.
In recognition of National Safe Digging Week, which starts on Monday 7th July, LSBUD is calling for continued collaboration from both the Government and the safe digging community.
Richard Broome, Managing Director of LSBUD, commented:
“Over the past few months, there has been a lot of positive progress made between NUAR and the safe digging community. However, our latest research illustrates that there is still some fundamental concerns that are either yet to be addressed or currently being worked on.
“National Safe Digging Week provides an excellent opportunity for the community to voice their most burning questions about its integration and impact on safety, and it is clear there is still more work to be done. We encourage all members of the safe digging community to actively engage with the Government as it looks to make NUAR a long-lasting service to ensure the safest possible outcome is achieved for all.”
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