Government launches AI and tech revolution for public services

The UK government has unveiled an ambitious plan to harness technology and AI across public services to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and deliver significant cost savings.

Central to this initiative is a suite of AI tools, dubbed "Humphrey," aimed at modernising government processes, eliminating outdated practices, and accelerating decision-making.

The new strategy, announced by the Department for Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSIT), outlines sweeping changes designed to enhance how public services operate. Central to this effort is the elimination of inefficient and outdated practices, such as requiring residents to queue at council offices or manually process licenses. Instead, the plan focuses on data sharing and digital solutions to reduce delays and improve citizen experiences.

The programme builds on the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has already attracted £14 billion in investment.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the importance of leveraging AI to cut through inefficiencies: "Sluggish technology has hampered our public services for too long. My department will put AI to work, improving lives and driving growth."

An AI revolution in Government operations

The flagship component of this initiative is "Humphrey," a set of AI-powered tools designed to enhance productivity and reduce reliance on costly external consultants. The package includes tools like:

• Consult: Speeds up policy consultation analysis, saving taxpayers approximately £100,000 per consultation.
• Minute: Provides secure AI-generated meeting transcriptions and summaries, already in use across multiple departments.
• Redbox: Supports civil servants with summarising policies and preparing briefings using generative AI.
• Parlex: Enables policymakers to analyse decades of parliamentary debate to inform legislation.
• Lex: Helps officials navigate and summarise complex legal frameworks.

These tools aim to improve public sector productivity while reducing costs. For example, the Consult tool can analyse thousands of consultation responses in hours, a task previously outsourced to consultants over months.

Breaking down barriers & legacy systems

The government’s digital blueprint also aims to address long-standing challenges in data sharing across public sector organisations. Plans to mandate the publication of application programming interfaces (APIs) will simplify secure data exchanges and foster interdepartmental collaboration. A new Technical Design Council, led by AI and data experts, will tackle technical challenges and promote innovation.

Further, a responsible AI advisory panel will ensure ethical and transparent technology use, balancing innovation with public accountability.

Modernising citizen services

The new approach prioritises citizen-centric services, targeting groups with complex needs, such as individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities. A pilot programme later this year will test AI-driven solutions to streamline access to healthcare, local authority services, and financial support.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting reinforced the NHS's role in this transformation: "We are bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age. By embracing technological advancements, we can make substantial savings for taxpayers and build a health service fit for the 21st century."

Digital skills and workforce

To ensure sustainability, the government is introducing training programmes to equip civil servants with AI engineering skills. A new Government Chief Digital Officer will soon be appointed to lead the digital profession and drive systemic change across Whitehall.

Plans are also underway to review pay structures for digital professionals, making public sector roles more competitive with the private sector to attract top talent.

This shake-up is expected to deliver £45 billion in annual productivity savings, significantly contributing to the Prime Minister's Plan for Change. By investing in modern technology and AI, the government seeks to create a public sector that is agile, efficient, and prepared to meet future challenges.

As Secretary Kyle concluded: "This is just the start. We will build public services that make sense for the people using them and stop wasting taxpayers’ time and money."

With the groundwork now set, the UK government aims to position itself as a leader in AI adoption while transforming the delivery of public services.