Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how AI technologies could be used by local councils; and how this will directly benefit residents.

As set out in the blueprint for modern digital government we are launching new collaborations to accelerate work in priority areas, such as in local government. The government has just launched the AI Playbook in collaboration across government and industry for the benefit of the public sector, including local councils. The AI opportunities action plan also sets out the opportunities for use of AI technology all across the public sector.

The government has recently published 10 transparency records from local councils on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) repository. The ATRS enables local authorities to share examples of how AI is improving public services, learn from each other’s approaches, model best practice, and promote the responsible and transparent adoption of AI technologies.