The Ada Lovelace Institute has released a major report urging the UK Government to establish a National Taskforce for Procurement of AI in Local Government. The Institute argues that current procurement practices are fragmented, unclear, and often ineffective, putting public services at risk as councils increasingly adopt AI tools.
Key Gaps in AI Procurement
The report draws from extensive research into how local councils in England purchase and deploy AI technologies. It stresses that procurement plays a central role in ensuring AI systems are safe, fair, and aligned with public needs. Yet several barriers continue to slow progress.
- Confusing and Contradictory Guidance: Procurement teams face multiple definitions of AI and inconsistent social value requirements. This lack of clarity often prevents councils from making confident, informed decisions.
- Limited Technical Expertise: Many councils do not have the technical knowledge needed to assess AI systems. As a result, they often rely on vendor claims, which can create blind spots around risks and system performance.
- Market Power Imbalances: Large AI suppliers dominate the market. This dynamic can lock councils into long-term contracts, reduce competition, and weaken bargaining power.
- Data and Infrastructure Challenges: Poor-quality data and outdated digital infrastructure make it difficult for councils to benefit from AI tools, even when the technologies offer potential value.
- Weak Public Engagement: The report notes that communities affected by AI deployments rarely have opportunities to participate in decision-making, which undermines transparency and public trust.
Institute Proposes Three-Year National Taskforce
To close these gaps, the Institute recommends a coordinated, three-year taskforce that brings together experts from central and local government, regulators, and industry.
- Clear, Actionable Guidance: The taskforce would create harmonized guidance across regulatory and legislative documents. This would help procurement teams understand their responsibilities and follow consistent standards.
- Evidence and Evaluation: It would also build an evidence base on how AI systems affect local governance. These insights would support benchmarks for safety, outcomes, and social value.
- Stronger Governance and Contracting Tools: The taskforce proposes new governance models, contract templates, and assessment frameworks. These would reduce over-reliance on vendors and give councils more control over AI deployments.
- Skills and Training: Focused training would help procurement staff learn how to evaluate AI systems, ask the right questions, and manage vendor relationships responsibly.
Emphasis on Transparency and Community Input
The Institute stresses that public participation must become a core element of AI procurement. It suggests creating roles for “social witnesses”—community members who observe and review procurement processes—to increase accountability.
The report also recommends that the taskforce collaborate closely with existing government networks to avoid duplication and strengthen ongoing digital reforms.
Risks of Inaction
According to the Institute, failing to improve AI procurement could lead to discriminatory outcomes, financial waste, and deteriorating trust. Because AI will play a growing role in public services, the report argues that the UK needs a unified approach now rather than later. With the rollout of the Procurement Act 2023 and the government’s broader digital agenda, the Institute sees a timely opportunity to adopt its recommendations. Establishing the proposed taskforce, it argues, would allow the UK to set a global example for ethical, accountable, and effective AI procurement.
Need Help?
If you’re wondering how England’s AI framework, or any other AI regulations, could impact you, reach out to BABL AI. Hence, their Audit Experts are ready to provide valuable assistance while answering your questions and concerns.
