Artificial Intelligence Hub

Welcome to the LGA's Artificial Intelligence Hub. Here, you'll find resources and guidance to help you responsibly explore the possibilities of AI and connect with peers. As a sector, we are collaborating with partners, academia and government to ensure local authorities are part of an AI-powered future.

What is AI?

‘Artificial Intelligence’ as a term can mean a lot of things, and we recognise that there is no agreement on a single definition. The UK Government defines AI as: ‘The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. Modern AI is usually built using machine learning algorithms. The algorithms find complex patterns in data which can be used to form rules.’ (November 2023, Introducing the AI Safety Institute.)

In the Pro-Innovation Approach to AI regulation, the UK Government further defined AI by its specificities: “products and services that are ‘adaptable’ and ‘autonomous’.” The adaptability of AI refers to AI systems, after being trained, often developing the ability to perform new ways of finding patterns and connections in data that are not directly envisioned by their human programmers. The autonomy of AI refers to some AI systems that can make decisions without the intent or ongoing control of a human. (UK Parliament, 2024)

What are the implications for local government?

Artificial intelligence has the potential to bring numerous benefits to local government. This may include improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced decision-making, and better resident services.

However, councils must also be mindful of the risks and challenges associated with safe and responsible AI adoption, including ensuring their data foundations are strong, addressing privacy and data protection concerns, how to address the needs of digitally excluded residents and staff, how to mitigate bias, and alleviate concerns regarding job displacement. By carefully considering these factors and developing robust policies and guidelines for AI adoption, local authorities can harness the potential of AI to deliver better services for their residents. Examples of AI implementation in local government to date include:

Public-facing chatbots, for example in contact centres.
AI assistants for caseworkers, for example in social care or housing.
Image recognition to tackle fly-tipping and littering.
AI-enabled sensors in adult social care.
Generative AI tools for translation services and creating easy-read documents.
Predictive analytics for falls prevention and homelessness prevention.
Cleaning datasets and removing duplicates.
Threat monitoring and cyber security.

What the LGA is doing:

Networks

We have established an AI network to discuss AI risks, rewards and readiness. We have over 300 officer members and a MS Teams site to share resources and ideas. You can find out more and register here. This builds on the work of the Advanced and Predictive Analytics Network.
To support the work of the AI network, we are collaborating with LocalGovDigital on an AI practitioners network, to support the work of officers at the coalface of AI implementation. You can register here.

Briefings and advocacy

We work closely with councils and partner organisations to amplify the sector voice and engage with policymakers to achieve the best outcomes for local government and the communities they serve. You can read our consultations and policy briefs here.
We are continuing to develop this policy brief page, and are currently working on mapping regulations and their implications for local government.

Events

Chaired by the LGA’s Chairman, we held a “Smith Square Debate” on AI, bringing together colleagues from across the public sector, industry and thinktanks to explore what AI means for councils. A write up of the event is available here.

Research

We conducted an AI survey to understand sector readiness, and inform our policy work and programme activity for 24/25.

Resources

Building on the success of our Cyber Unpacked series, we are working with Connected by Data and Brickwall Films to develop a series of “AI Unpacked” explainer videos of key topics. These will be published soon.
We are working closely with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to develop guidance for local authorities that supports compliance with the public sector equality duty and data protection law when commissioning and procuring AI products.
We are developing a use case bank to share case studies of AI deployment across the sector.
We are convening key local government partners regularly to ensure support to councils is coordinated and we avoid duplication. These partners include Socitm, Solace, LOTI and iNetwork. Explore their offers to the sector.
We produce a monthly e-bulletin containing sector highlights, security updates and upcoming events. You can subscribe to our Cyber, Digital and Technology bulletin online.
We are supporting councils to develop the data foundations and skills needed to make best use of AI, through our better use of data programme.

Contact Us

Email us at [email protected]