The UK government is set to announce a significant overhaul of its public sector services, introducing artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. Currently, the government invests £23 billion annually in technology, but aims to redirect these funds towards more modern applications. The ambitious plan includes developing AI assistants to accelerate public services and implementing data-sharing agreements across traditionally siloed departments. These initiatives will be unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday, with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) leading the charge.
In an effort to revitalize the civil service, the government plans to introduce a suite of AI tools named "Humphrey," a nod to the character from the British television series "Yes, Minister." The primary objective of Humphrey is to alleviate the daily workload of civil servants by efficiently processing vast amounts of data. This technological advancement is expected to save an estimated £45 billion annually through AI-driven automation.
Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for DSIT, emphasized the urgent need for modernization.
“Sluggish technology has hampered our public services for too long, and it’s costing us all a fortune in time and money… Not to mention the headaches and stresses we’re left with after being put on hold or forced to take a trip to fill out a form,” – Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for DSIT
The Humphrey project will be managed by a newly formed team within DSIT, drawing parallels to the Digital Government Enterprise (DOGE) in the United States. This team will consist of government personnel rather than external technology experts, ensuring that the initiative remains grounded in public sector needs.
A critical component of this overhaul involves facilitating seamless information sharing across different governmental departments. Currently, processes such as registering a death or obtaining a truck driving license require posting advertisements in local newspapers. Additionally, tax authorities receive approximately 100,000 calls daily, highlighting the inefficiencies prevalent in existing systems.
Peter Kyle expressed his commitment to using AI to transform these outdated processes.
“My Department will put AI to work… We will use technology to bear down hard on the nonsensical approach the public sector takes to sharing information and working together to help the people it serves.” – Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for DSIT
The introduction of AI assistants aims to expedite various public services, making them more accessible and efficient for citizens. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the government seeks to create a more responsive system that can adapt to the diverse needs of its populace.
The planned data-sharing deals are particularly significant as they address one of the most persistent challenges within government operations: departmental silos. By breaking down these barriers, the government intends to foster better collaboration and improve service delivery across all sectors.
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