Place-based data#
Last modified: 14 Aug 2026
Introduction#
Watch this short video for an overview of place-based data in UK LLC, including how datasets are linked, governed and made available for research.
We are continually expanding the range of place-based datasets available within the UK LLC TRE. If you are interested in using a place-based dataset that is not currently listed, please submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through UK LLC Apply.
Note
Once an EOI has been submitted, the UK LLC Applications Team will review the request and contact you with further information, including a quotation where applicable. While access to standard place-based datasets is provided free of charge, the preparation and curation of bespoke datasets may incur a cost depending on the complexity of the request.
Place-based data can be linked to participants using address data provided by Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS) or linked area indicators (e.g. Lower Super Output Area, LSOA) in participants’ NHS records. All geographic identifiers in the UK LLC TRE below the region/devolved nation level are encrypted.
The place-based datasets cover a variety of domains and time periods, as summarised in Table 1. Their geographic coverage varies per dataset based on availability across the four UK nations. Further details, including external links to publications and metadata, are available in the individual dataset guides.
Researchers never access participants’ address data – the only location variables in the clear in the UK LLC TRE are English region (e.g. South West England) or devolved nation (e.g. Scotland).
Place-based data can be linked using LPS-provided address data or linked area indicators (e.g., LSOA, which is in participants’ NHS records).
All address data are sent by the LPS to our trusted third party – NHS Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW). This address data is only used for place-based linkage and geocoding, subject to individual LPS approval.
Visit UK LLC Explore to discover more about each place-based dataset, including variable names, labels, and values.
Table 1 A summary of the place-based datasets in the UK LLC TRE, grouped by theme.
Dataset name |
Primary domain |
Secondary domain |
Summary |
Coverage |
Smallest data resolution |
Data available in TRE |
Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental |
Neighbourhood |
A multi-dimensional index measuring how ‘healthy’ neighbourhoods are. |
England, Scotland, Wales |
Lower Super Output Area/Data Zone |
2022 |
||
Environmental |
Neighbourhood |
Greenspace metrics on greenspace coverage, access and walkability. |
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland (selected variables) |
Address |
2018 |
University of Leicester |
|
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) |
Environmental |
Property |
Energy efficiency and property qualities. |
England, Wales |
Address |
2008–2024 |
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities |
Environmental |
Pollution |
Annual-average nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure data. |
England, Scotland, Wales |
Address |
2010–2019 |
University of Leicester and St George’s, University of London |
|
Environmental |
Pollution |
Annual average assessments (hourly and 24-hour) for NOx, NO2 and O3. |
England, Wales |
Address |
2018–2020 |
University of Leicester and St George’s, University of London |
|
Environmental |
Pollution |
Modelled road-transport noise estimates. |
England, Wales |
Address |
2013 |
University of Leicester and St George’s, University of London |
|
Population |
Deprivation |
A relative indicator of deprivation, urban/rural classification and population density |
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland |
Lower Super Output Area/Data Zone/Super Output Area |
2011-2020 |
UK LLC |
|
Population |
Material deprivation |
A relative indicator of material deprivation |
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland |
Lower Super Output Area |
2011 |
UK Data Service |