North Somerset Council is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage £23 million in budget cuts projected over the next four years. In response to growing financial pressures from rising social care costs and reduced government funding, the council aims to harness AI to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and increase productivity.
The financially challenged council expects to close a significant budget gap by 2030. While an exceptional council tax rise of 8.99% was approved in April, achieving long-term financial stability requires comprehensive transformation of services to become more efficient.
Steve Bridger, the council’s cabinet member for digital, AI, and service transformation, emphasized the council’s commitment to ethical and transparent AI adoption. “We are evaluating how AI can help us deliver savings across the council,” Bridger stated at a recent cabinet meeting. “Our approach will be measured and ethical, ensuring the technology supports our core values and maintains public trust. We are not outsourcing our judgment or empathy to AI.”
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The council’s AI strategy has two primary components. The first, “Whole Council AI,” aims to embed AI tools across departments to enhance productivity and support data-driven decision-making. The second, an “AI Front Door,” will improve responsiveness and efficiency in handling customer service requests from local residents.
Council leader Mike Bell highlighted the importance of practical outcomes, saying, “Any AI or service changes must genuinely make life easier for both our staff and residents to be considered improvements.”
Notably, North Somerset is reportedly the first local authority to appoint a dedicated cabinet member specifically focused on AI. Bridger expressed optimism that AI would benefit communities and residents, stating, “Our goal is to use AI as a tool to serve people better – not simply to reduce staff numbers.”
AI forms one part of a broader council transformation plan, which also includes partnering with experts to help drive reform across multiple council services. A detailed roadmap outlining these changes is expected to be presented to the cabinet in September.