As technology continues its rapid advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping the way we live, work and access services.
While debates and discussions about the capabilities of AI have become seemingly ubiquitous in recent years, many of us remain unsure about its practical applications. Whether we like it or not, the reality is that AI is already embedded in our daily lives, sometimes without us even knowing it.
The potential of AI within public services, particularly for local authorities, is vast. In an era of constrained public resources combined with growing demands, councils like Wokingham Borough must embrace AI. By leveraging AI, councils can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and, ironically perhaps, free up capacity to provide a more personalised services to residents.
Despite its potential, public attitudes toward AI remain cautious, with many expressing mistrust. This reluctance is understandable, given the rapid pace of change combined with, in general terms, a lack of understanding of AI technologies. However, many of us already interact with AI daily, often unknowingly; it is not just confined to high-tech industries. For many years now it has played a role in everyday activities, whether it’s algorithms that provide personalised recommendations on social media, or automated ‘chatbots’ like Wokingham Borough Council’s ‘web assistant,’ AI is already here and is embedded as part of many of our everyday lives.
That said, the use of AI in local government must be approached with caution. The safety of personal data, the risk of bias in AI decision making, addressing the needs of digitally-excluded residents, and the fear of job losses are just a few of the genuine concerns that must not be sidelined in the march towards ever more technologically-based solutions.
However, the opportunities AI presents to local authorities are huge. Across the UK, AI is already being harnessed to enhance service delivery, engage with residents more meaningfully, and inform data-driven decision-making. For example, in some councils AI-powered assistants are supporting caseworkers, image recognition technology is being used to combat fly-tipping (and catch the perpetrators), and AI-driven translation services are breaking down language barriers to improve communication with diverse communities.
Despite these promising developments, I was surprised to see that a motion presented to Wokingham Borough Council at its Full Council meeting this week about improving resident interaction with the Council made no mention whatsoever of AI. That is short sighted. According to IBM’s Global AI Adoption Index, the UK ranks 8th out of 15 countries, with an adoption rate of just 37%, below global leaders such as China, India, and Singapore. The UK’s slower adoption of AI highlights the need for a more proactive approach. The Labour government has made AI a central priority, seeking to position the UK at the forefront of AI innovation to improve quality of life and drive economic growth.
AI has already begun transforming our society, and its impact will only continue to grow. It is essential that local authorities embrace the opportunity to improve not only the efficiency but also quality of public services. One of the many casualties wrought by 14 years of Conservative austerity has, in some areas of service provision, been the loss of a real-life connection between the Council and its residents. By utilising AI, councils can free up valuable time for our dedicated Council officers, enabling them to refocus on providing that human connection and care that we all know are essential to quality service delivery. I am in no doubt that AI will be integral to the future of quality public services, and it is vital that Wokingham Borough Council embraces all that it can offer.
Cllr Rachel Burgess, Member for Norreys and Leader of the Labour Group on Wokingham Borough Council
