25 local councils across the UK are piloting a new artificial intelligence tool designed to streamline administrative tasks and improve services in planning, social care, and more. The tool, known as “Minute,” is part of the government’s wider “Humphrey” suite of AI solutions and is being rolled out under the UK’s “Plan for Change.”
Built by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, “Minute” uses generative AI to automate note-taking in meetings and reduce bureaucratic workload for local officials. Early testing has shown the tool can save officials up to one hour of admin per hour-long meeting, freeing up time for frontline services.
“This is just the first step,” said AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark. “We’re working with councils to help them buy and build the technology they need to better serve their communities.”
“Minute” made its high-profile debut by taking notes during the Prime Minister’s Council of Nations and Regions meeting, marking the first time AI has been used in a session chaired by a UK Prime Minister. The trial coincided with discussions on how AI can be leveraged to improve public service delivery nationwide.
Participating councils include West Berkshire and Stockton-on-Tees, where the tool is being used to support faster planning decisions, a key component of the government’s goal to build 1.5 million new homes by 2030. In social care, “Minute” is helping record meeting notes between workers and supervisors, reducing paperwork and allowing more time for direct support.
The pilot follows a government report revealing councils spend £5 billion annually on technology, often duplicating efforts due to fragmented procurement. In response, a new AI Knowledge Hub was launched to help councils share tools, best practices, and contract strategies.
Baroness Taylor, Lords Minister for Housing, noted, “Officers can spend less time buried in admin and more time helping get Britain building.”
With AI promising major productivity gains, the Humphrey trial represents a foundational effort to modernize government operations and deliver more efficient, tech-powered services to UK residents.
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