Ellie Ames 26 February 2025

Lack of staff and funding hinder AI progress

 Lack of staff and funding hinder AI progress image
Image: Owlie Productions / Shutterstock.com

County councils have warned that insufficient staff capacity and training and a lack of funding are hindering the roll-out of artificial intelligence (AI).

In a County Councils Network (CCN) survey of its members, 85% of respondents said they used AI, primarily within administration, adult social care, children’s services and roads maintenance.

But 93% of county and unitary councils reported that staff capacity was a barrier to rolling out AI or deploying it more widely, and almost 71% said employees lacked the necessary training.

Funding was also a barrier cited by 71% of councils.

CCN economic growth spokesperson Richard Roberts said: ‘If government wants to truly turbocharge AI usage across England, then it needs to maximise the potential in all four corners of the country.

‘That means ensuring that county and unitary areas are fairly resourced in the fair funding review, enabling them to invest in technology, as well as working with local government to address workforce capacity issues.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief of Staff

Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
up to £126,615
We’re transforming services with ambition and community at the heart of our work. Norfolk
Recuriter: Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council
Linkedin Banner