North Somerset Council is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support its efforts in making £23 million worth of budget cuts over the next four years. Amid rising social care costs and dwindling government funding, the council aims to transform its operations to deliver services more efficiently while remaining transparent and ethical in its AI adoption.
The financially stretched council projects that it will need to balance its budget by 2030, despite recently receiving approval from the government to increase council tax by an exceptional 8.99% in April. This significant “transformation” effort requires rethinking service delivery to drive cost savings.
Steve Bridger, the council’s Cabinet Member for Digital, AI, and Service Transformation, emphasized the role AI could play in these changes during a recent council meeting. “We are now evaluating how artificial intelligence can help us deliver savings across the council,” he said. “This will be a major part of our transformation programme moving forward.”
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Bridger also reassured the public that the council will implement AI in a responsible and ethical manner, ensuring that it aligns with core values and maintains public trust. “We are not outsourcing our judgement and empathy to AI tools,” he added.
The council’s AI strategy has two main components. The “whole council AI” initiative plans to integrate AI tools throughout various teams to improve productivity and enhance decision-making processes. In parallel, the “AI front door” will streamline the handling of customer requests, allowing for faster response times and more efficient service delivery.
Council leader Mike Bell highlighted the importance of balancing technological advancement with the human element. “We must remember that AI or service changes that make life harder for staff or residents are not improvements,” he said.
North Somerset is believed to be the first UK council to appoint a specific cabinet member dedicated to AI. At the announcement of his role, Bridger noted that AI tools should serve residents and communities rather than simply replacing staff. “I don’t think we have to eliminate jobs; it’s about using AI to enhance how we work,” he remarked.
In addition to AI adoption, the council is engaging a “change partner” to support reforms across multiple service areas. A comprehensive roadmap outlining these transformation plans will be presented to the council cabinet in September.