Unveiling AI Innovation: Exploring Current and Future Technologies for Local Government Advancement
Guest blog by Stephen Ferry, Chief Executive Officer at IEG Group, member of the Local Public Service Committee (LPSC) Innovation Sub-group.
The Mission of the committee is to become a ‘voice’ of the technology industry, which local government seeks to listen to and share insights and problems with, in the aim of solving significant challenges in collaboration. Learn more about LPSC here.
AI has quickly become a transformative force in the public sector, and within UK local government, it’s helping councils improve services, streamline operations, and serve their communities more effectively. From automating complex administrative tasks to supporting public safety and healthcare, AI is helping local authorities tackle some of their biggest challenges with precision and efficiency.
This article explores AI-driven tools already making a difference in the public sector, with real-world examples from healthcare, law enforcement, and local government, and highlights how these innovations can inspire local authorities to adopt AI in their own work.
Supporting Vulnerable Populations: AI for Dementia Care
AI is having a real impact on healthcare. As reported by the BBC[1], AI tools are now supporting people with dementia, helping them manage daily activities and maintain independence. These tools use pattern-recognition to detect changes in behaviour, triggering reminders or notifying caregivers if something seems out of character. For local governments, adapting these solutions could improve services for elderly or vulnerable residents, easing strain on social care resources while enhancing quality of life.
Councils could consider piloting AI-based monitoring in assisted living facilities to support residents who need extra care. These technologies not only reduce the burden on social care services but also provide peace of mind to families and caregivers.
Revolutionising Patient Care with AI: Scaling Through Structured Frameworks
In healthcare, AI has immense potential to transform patient care. According to a recent Forbes article, platforms like ThinkAndor[2] are automating routine tasks such as monitoring patient vitals and documenting care interactions, giving clinicians more time to focus on patients. This shift doesn’t just reduce burnout among healthcare workers; it also leads to quicker responses and improved care coordination. The resulting efficiency translates into better patient outcomes, as seen with ThinkAndor’s virtual nursing capabilities, which use computer vision to detect subtle changes in patients’ conditions. These systems not only ease administrative burdens but also enable timely interventions, potentially preventing complications or hospital readmissions.
Scaling AI effectively requires collaboration and innovation. One example of this approach comes from Wipro’s work with NHS Scotland[3] during the pandemic. To manage the surge in COVID-19 cases, Wipro implemented AI-driven tools that optimised resource allocation, tracked patient data in real time, and supported clinical decision-making. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) framework enabled the rapid deployment of these AI solutions at scale, demonstrating how a structured approach can maximise AI’s impact across a large, complex healthcare system.
Similarly, as part of an Innovation programme , IEG4 partnered with Warwick University and the Hereford and Worcestershire NHS Trust to enhance its Continuing Healthcare Platform with emerging technologies. This collaboration focused on integrating advanced AI features to optimise workflows, improve operational efficiency, and provide better support to NHS teams. By combining expertise from academia, healthcare, and technology, this partnership exemplifies how structured frameworks and collaboration can drive impactful AI solutions in healthcare.
Streamlining Local Government Processes: AI for Planning Validation
In response to the challenge of managing large volumes of planning applications, councils are increasingly leveraging AI to validate applications efficiently. Traditionally, planning validation is a manual, time-consuming process that often leads to backlogs and delays. The AI Planning Validator solution from Agile Applications automates much of this work by using machine learning to check applications against planning policies, speeding up the process and improving accuracy.
In practice, the AI Planning Validator has helped councils process applications faster, reduce costs, and improve service by quickly identifying non-compliant applications. For example, Salford City Council[4], which uses the AI Validator, has achieved a 60% reduction in validation and registration time. This is a prime example of how AI can help councils manage increasing workloads while enhancing the resident experience
Enhancing Public Safety: AI in Law Enforcement
AI’s impact on public safety is another powerful example. In a recent Avon and Somerset Police trial reported by Sky News[5], an AI tool was able to perform the equivalent of 81 years of detective work in just 30 hours. By quickly processing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns, this technology helped resolve cases faster and could be adapted to other areas, such as monitoring traffic for proactive accident prevention. By embracing similar innovations, local governments can improve public safety while making the best use of limited resources.
Bringing AI’s Benefits to Residents
Councils can also enhance resident experiences by implementing AI in practical, everyday ways. For instance, chatbots on council websites could provide residents with quick responses to planning or housing queries, reducing wait times and improving access to services. AI-driven community alerts could notify residents about road closures, weather updates, or safety concerns, making information easily accessible and actionable. These direct applications make AI tangible to residents and showcase how technology can improve interactions with council services.
The Future of AI in Local Government: Partnering for Success
As AI continues to evolve, local governments will benefit from strong partnerships with tech companies, universities, and experts. Collaborating with forward-thinking suppliers and organisations provides councils with access to the latest AI technologies and helps them navigate the challenges of implementation.
For example, partnerships with UK universities can support research on AI tailored to local government needs, while collaborations with tech providers can introduce cutting-edge tools to councils at manageable costs. With the right partnerships, councils can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality of life for residents.
Ethical Considerations: Responsible AI Use in Local Government
As AI’s role in local government grows, councils must ensure these technologies are used ethically. AI tools rely on large data sets, which can unintentionally carry biases. To mitigate this, councils should implement ethical frameworks that prioritise fairness, transparency, and accountability. Ensuring that AI-driven decisions are explainable and that algorithms are regularly audited can help councils build trust and demonstrate their commitment to responsible AI use. Ethical implementation of AI also aligns with UK regulations and standards, supporting councils in fostering equitable outcomes for all citizens.
Considering the Risks: Lessons from AI Pilots and Trials
While AI brings significant potential, it also comes with challenges that local governments need to consider. Many pilots and early trials have highlighted risks, such as data privacy concerns, potential biases in algorithms, and the need for human oversight. For example, in some law enforcement trials, AI has raised concerns over the accuracy of predictive policing, as well as the risk of reinforcing existing biases if the data is not carefully managed and regularly audited. These issues highlight the importance of having robust ethical frameworks and transparent reporting structures.
In healthcare, some trials of AI monitoring tools have shown that relying too heavily on automation can inadvertently reduce the quality of personalised care if human oversight is minimised. Lessons from these pilots stress the importance of integrating AI as a support tool rather than as a full replacement, ensuring that human professionals retain final decision-making power.
These early lessons emphasise the need for councils to conduct thorough risk assessments and remain vigilant about data quality and fairness when implementing AI. Building AI solutions with safeguards, regularly auditing outcomes, and remaining adaptable to make necessary changes will help councils harness AI’s benefits while mitigating potential downsides.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Local Governments
AI presents local government with exciting opportunities to become more efficient, responsive, and resourceful. Tools like the AI Planning Validator are already proving their worth by streamlining processes and improving service quality, and real-world applications in healthcare and public safety demonstrate AI’s broader potential.
For councils interested in exploring AI, now is the time to engage with industry experts, form strategic partnerships, and attend events that discuss AI’s role in local government. By prioritising ethical implementation and connecting with tech providers, councils can ensure AI becomes a positive force that meets citizens’ needs and advances public services.
[1] BBC article on AI for dementia care (Oct, 2024): [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqxj700pxpdo]
[2] Forbes article on AI in healthcare (Nov, 2024): [https://www.forbes.com/sites/charliefink/2024/11/08/ai-drives-efficiency-and-innovation-in-patient-care/].
[3] HFS article on Wipro supporting NHS Scotland to progress toward large-scale application of AI (Mar, 2021): https://www.hfsresearch.com/research/embrace-a-production-mindset-to-drive-ai-at-scale-utilizing-a-coe/
[4] IEG Group Case Study on Salford City Council using the AI Planning Validator (Aug, 2024): https://www.ieg4.com/articles/salford-city-council-ai-validator/
[5] Sky News article on AI in law enforcement (Sep, 2024): [https://news.sky.com/story/ai-tool-that-can-do-81-years-of-detective-work-in-30-hours-trialled-by-police-13220891]
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