Newham Council: Establishing the UK Centre for Artificial Intelligence for the public sector

Newham Council, a forward-thinking local authority, recognises the potential of AI to improve its service delivery. The University of East London (UEL), a local institution with a strong track record in AI research, shares this vision.

The organisations have a history of collaboration together and have forged a strategic partnership to establish a UK-based centre dedicated to pioneering AI research, training and solutions for the public sector. By applying AI to tackle complex local government challenges, the centre aims to drive innovation and deliver technology-enhanced solutions that meet the community's needs. With a broad scope encompassing key service areas, this collaboration is poised to offer valuable insights as other councils embark on their AI journeys.

The ambitious partnership aims to:

• To promote the use of AI in improving services in areas such as temporary accommodation, local economy, social care, and climate change mitigation.
• To ensure ethical and effective use of AI through robust governance and compliance frameworks.
• To contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as Arts and Culture, Young People, Sustainability, Health Inequalities, Economic Inequalities, and Data Economy or Cybersecurity.

Building on the Newham Data Analytics Framework (NDAF), the joint venture will adopt a comprehensive approach. This involves establishing a robust system for managing data from various sources, conducting research and development to uncover new insights, particularly in areas like health and education, and ensuring strict governance and ethical practices for AI. The project will also prioritise community involvement and collaboration across different academic disciplines. To sustain progress, training and capacity building initiatives will be implemented for both the public sector and local community.

To ensure strategic direction, the joint venture will be led by a team representing Newham Council, the University of East London, and the London Office of Innovation and Technology (LOTI). An advisory board consisting of experts from academia, industry, and the public sector will provide additional guidance. This collaborative approach aims to produce research findings applicable to the wider local public sector.

A strong emphasis will be placed on the ethical use of AI through robust governance frameworks. The partnership is committed to aligning its work with the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on areas such as health, economic inequality, and youth engagement.

The next steps involve engaging with stakeholders to refine project objectives and securing funding to establish the venture. Pilot projects will be launched in key areas to demonstrate AI's potential, followed by training programs for public sector staff. Continuous community involvement is essential to align projects with public needs, while partnerships with corporations and government bodies will ensure ongoing support and collaboration.

The initial focus of the partnership will be to address the pressing issue of temporary accommodation in Newham. With the council's expenditure on temporary housing exceeding £20 million in the past year, one of the highest spends in the country. This area presents a significant opportunity for AI-driven solutions. Drawing on existing data, the partnership aims to develop a predictive model to forecast housing demand and homelessness trends. Additionally, an AI system will be considered to streamline the procurement and allocation of suitable temporary accommodation properties.

The LGA eagerly anticipates the Centre for AI's development and the potential benefits it will bring to the wider public sector. By concentrating on critical local government challenges and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the community, this partnership aims to deliver substantial improvements in service delivery, policy formation, and overall community outcomes. The Centre's work has the potential to be instrumental in shaping the future of AI in local government.