Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Acknowledged
AI deployment not widespread across government, with most bodies still piloting or planning use.
Conclusion
At the time of the NAO report in March 2024 AI was not widely used across government, with just over a third (37%) of 87 government bodies surveyed reporting they had deployed AI. In contrast, over two–thirds (70%) were piloting or planning AI use.41 Examples of pilot activity included use of AI to analyse digital images to identify and classify objects, use of natural language processing to summarise or draft text, and use of AI to assess trends and patterns and monitor live data.42 DSIT also told us about a suite of tools developed by the i.AI to support civil servants with tasks including minute taking and analysis of consultation responses.43 Commenting more broadly on digital and technical capability, DSIT praised the Met Office and Ordnance Survey.44 It emphasised that local government was “an area where we are particularly keen to move early [ … ] because there is a huge amount of potential there to improve citizens’ lives”.45
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation about the new Government Digital Service and its aim to unite efforts to grasp the opportunities of technology and AI.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The new Government Digital Service was established in January 2025 with the aim of uniting efforts to grasp the opportunities of technology and AI under the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This involved relocating three functions from the Cabinet Office to DSIT: the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), which leads the government’s Digital and Data function; the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (i.AI), which works across the public sector to identify and pilot AI opportunities; and the Government Digital Service, responsible for building common digital products and services across government.