Explore past data
Previous data records can be found in the UK Government Web Archive
Information Management Report
Through this Information Management Report, The National Archive track record transfers under the Public Records Act and Section 46 Code of Practice.
On an annual basis, The National Archives asks bodies that transfer records (both physical and digital) to it to provide data on volume and transfer status of the records they hold.
The Public Records Act (PRA) requires central government departments, and certain other public bodies, to identify records of historical value. They will then transfer these records for permanent preservation to The National Archives, or to another appointed place of deposit, by the time they are 20 years old.
Legacy and current figures
The Information Management Report (IMR) allows a year-by-year comparison of the public record bodies that transfer records to The National Archives and their progress towards the 20-year rule.
These bodies provide data on the volume of records they hold in the following categories:
- Legacy – records due for transfer or disposal now beyond their PRA due date
- Current – records due for transfer or disposal in 2024
Data
An overview table presents the information for all bodies that submitted an IMR for each year. It is sorted A-Z by the name of the public record body.
Retention Instruments
Public records bodies may retain records past their due date. This requires coverage by a Retention Instrument approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
For independent advice on questions relating to access to public records the Secretary of State refers to the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives.
The IMR presents the figures provided in two groups. The first group relates to records covered by a Retention Instrument (and thereby compliant with the PRA).
The second group are records not covered by a Retention Instrument (and thereby not compliant with the PRA). Public bodies can submit applications for retention throughout the year.
These applications are considered quarterly at the meetings of the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives. Therefore compliance figures from the IMR are subject to change.
Find out more
- Access a summary of the public records transferred to The National Archives each year
- Find out how the records transfer process works
- Read about the legislation that shapes how the government record is managed