A new report from the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts warns that the UK government faces serious risks in its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) unless it addresses outdated technology, poor data practices, and a persistent shortage of digital skills across departments.
Published in late march, the report emphasizes AI’s potential to transform public services by automating tasks, improving efficiency, and targeting support more effectively. However, the committee concludes that progress remains slow and uneven, with the country at risk of missing out on the benefits of AI if significant reforms aren’t enacted soon.
A central concern is the government’s reliance on outdated IT infrastructure. Of the 72 highest-risk legacy digital systems identified in a previous roadmap, 21 still lack funding for necessary updates. Without quality data and compatible systems, the committee warns, efforts to deploy AI will be hampered from the start.
In addition to technical barriers, the committee highlights a growing public trust gap. Only 33 entries had been recorded in the government’s algorithmic transparency registry as of January 2025, suggesting most departments are not disclosing their use of AI in decision-making. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) was urged to strengthen public engagement and increase transparency to reassure citizens that AI use is safe, fair, and secure.
The report also takes aim at staffing challenges. According to survey data, 70 percent of government bodies cited difficulty hiring and retaining employees with AI skills. Half of all digital and data roles advertised in 2024 went unfilled. The committee remains skeptical that DSIT’s proposed reforms—such as boosting pay competitiveness and embedding digital leaders on executive boards—will close the skills gap.
Other areas flagged include a lack of knowledge sharing from AI pilot projects, a procurement process ill-suited to a fast-moving tech landscape, and a fragmented governance structure. The committee supports recent moves to consolidate AI leadership under DSIT but stresses that clear accountability, performance tracking, and ministerial coordination are essential.
To drive adoption forward, the report recommends a new implementation roadmap, robust transparency standards, scalable procurement frameworks, and the appointment of senior digital leaders across all departments.
Without these changes, the committee warns, the UK government may struggle to deliver efficient, responsible AI-enabled public services—placing both innovation and public trust at risk.
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