AI to be piloted by councils to improve services

Three pilot projects were being run

Councils have been looking at how they can use artificial intelligence to improve services.

Three pilot projects were being run by West Northamptonshire Council relating to homelessness, special educational needs and customer services.

Meanwhile, North Northamptonshire Council is looking at trialling AI for taking notes in adult social care - to save staff time and improve the service.

"I'd love to make West Northants a hub for AI and educate people that it's not just a big scary project," said Mike Hallam, cabinet member for corporate services at West Northamptonshire Council.

"There's some really exciting things we can do and make a difference to people's lives."

Councillor Mike Hallam thinks there is a lot of opportunity for AI to be used in the public sector

A new innovation hub at West Northamptonshire Council is exploring the use of AI to potentially enhance its services in some areas.

For homelessness, it was hoped the technology could help identify individuals at risk much earlier.

For education, health, and care plans (EHCPs), it could help streamline the assessment process, ensuring that eligible children received their assessments more efficiently.

But Hallam said it would not work for everything.

"In IT I think we all know not everything works all of the time, so it is really important that we trial lots of projects and run with the ones that work," he said.

Adam Harrold, chief executive of an AI business, says the technology will become more intertwined in people's lives

Humley, an AI business based in Northampton, has been working with councils and housing associations across England to use the technology to improve customer service.

Adam Harrold, chief executive of Humley, said: "In 90% of our deliveries it hasn't led to any reductions in staff... instead it shifts what people are able to do.

"Rather than doing the repetitive tasks people are out doing more rewarding work which ultimately means better services."

North Northamptonshire Council is currently trialling the use of Microsoft Co-pilot and is about to start a pilot for using AI to take notes in the area of adult social care to save staff time and improve the service.

The unitary authority is also looking at trialling AI for use with its website and customer services channels.

Jason Smithers, Conservative leader of the council, said: "The council views digital and innovative technology as vitally important in improving productivity and services to all the residents and business that we serve.

"We have already allocated funding in our draft budget for 2025-26 to further develop innovative approaches to service delivery in the future."