The Local Government Association (LGA) has issued a detailed response to the UK Government's recently unveiled AI Opportunities Action Plan, acknowledging its potential to drive innovation and efficiency but emphasising the critical role of local authorities in the successful implementation of AI.
The LGA supports the plan's ambition to make the UK a global leader in AI innovation and adoption. However, it has called for more targeted support and recognition of the challenges faced by local government in deploying AI to improve public services and decision-making processes.
Local authorities play a pivotal role in delivering vital services, from social care to waste management, and the LGA is urging the Government to ensure that AI's benefits are felt across all levels of public service. The LGA highlighted the importance of addressing challenges such as resource limitations, digital infrastructure disparities, and skills gaps that local authorities face when integrating AI into their operations.
"Local government is uniquely placed to understand the needs of communities and harness AI to deliver transformative outcomes. However, this requires the right tools, funding, and skills," the LGA said in its statement.
The LGA welcomed the Government's commitment to strengthening data infrastructure and governance frameworks, which are foundational for AI's effective deployment. It also praised the emphasis on ethics, transparency, and accountability in AI development, stressing that these principles must guide its use in public services.
To maximise AI's potential while safeguarding citizens, the LGA called for:
A key concern raised by the LGA is the disparity in digital capabilities and resources between central and local government. The response emphasised the need for dedicated funding streams to support local authorities in building AI infrastructure and recruiting skilled professionals.
"AI has the potential to address critical challenges, such as demand pressures and resource constraints, but only if councils are equipped to use it effectively," the LGA noted.
The LGA stressed that gaining public trust is paramount in AI deployment. It highlighted the need for transparent AI use in local government decision-making and services, ensuring that citizens understand how their data is used and how AI-driven decisions impact their lives.
Public engagement and consultation, the LGA argued, should be central to the rollout of AI initiatives, particularly as local government often operates as the first point of contact for many citizens.
The LGA reiterated its commitment to working with the Government, industry, and other stakeholders to unlock the full potential of AI while addressing the unique challenges faced by local authorities. It urged the Government to recognise councils as key partners in delivering the AI Opportunities Action Plan, enabling the UK to achieve its ambition of being a global AI leader while transforming public services at every level.
This response underscores the LGA's position that while the Government's AI plans are promising, their success depends on empowering local authorities with the tools and resources they need to deliver AI-driven innovation where it matters most - within communities.