The UK government has announced a sweeping initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology across public services, aiming to streamline operations, cut costs, and eliminate inefficiencies. Central to this plan is the deployment of AI tools, including a package dubbed “Humphrey,” which will enhance Whitehall’s ability to manage data, accelerate decision-making, and reduce dependency on costly consultants.
The plan, unveiled by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), aims to revamp the way government departments use technology to interact with citizens. With key services like HMRC fielding 100,000 daily calls and the DVLA processing 45,000 letters per day, officials say outdated systems are slowing progress and wasting resources.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the urgency of modernization. “Sluggish technology has hampered our public services for too long, and it’s costing us all a fortune in time and money,” he said. “We will use technology to bear down hard on the nonsensical approach the public sector takes to sharing information and working together.”
Key changes under the plan include:
- Improved Data Sharing: The government aims to remove barriers between departments, allowing agencies such as HMRC and local councils to share data more seamlessly. This will help crack down on fraud and speed up support for businesses and individuals.
- AI-Assisted Public Services: The AI-driven “Humphrey” package will assist civil servants with tasks ranging from policy analysis to document summarization. Tools such as “Consult” will analyze public feedback on policy proposals in hours rather than months, reducing reliance on external consultants who charge hefty fees.
- Digital-First Approach: Antiquated practices such as requiring in-person visits for service applications or mandating newspaper ads for lorry license approvals will be phased out in favor of digital solutions.
- New Government AI Unit: A team of AI developers at DSIT will build and deploy AI tools across Whitehall to increase efficiency. This includes AI-driven transcription services, legal research tools, and automated policy drafting assistants.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting outlined plans to digitize the NHS, ensuring that patients can access services more efficiently through the NHS app while reducing bureaucratic burdens on staff. “We are bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age,” Streeting said. “Embracing AI will allow us to make substantial savings for taxpayers and build a health service fit for the 21st century.”
Similarly, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized that AI would help modernize Jobcentres by providing more personalized services to jobseekers, reducing processing delays, and improving employment outcomes.
Officials estimate that modernizing government technology could generate £45 billion in productivity savings annually. To facilitate this transformation, a Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence will be established to help local councils and government agencies negotiate better contracts with tech providers, reducing wasteful spending and opening doors for UK-based startups.
The government will also introduce new mandatory API standards, requiring all public sector organizations to publish their application programming interfaces to improve data-sharing security and interoperability. A Technical Design Council, composed of AI and data experts, will oversee the integration of digital solutions.
Additionally, a Responsible AI Advisory Panel will be formed, bringing together public sector workers, industry leaders, and civil society groups to ensure ethical and effective AI implementation.
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