As local authorities look to enhance service delivery and efficiency, AI-based technologies are gaining traction across the sector. LocalGov assistant editor Izzy Lepone explores how councils are putting artificial intelligence to practical use.

Local authorities are increasingly adopting AI-based solutions to improve public services and respond to the needs of local communities. Whilst concerns exist about job displacement and data privacy due to AI use, there are multiple positive outcomes to be seen for local authorities implementing technological tools to deliver key council services. Let’s take a closer look at 10 innovative ways local authorities are using AI across the UK.

1. Traffic Management and Incident Detection

AI tools can be highly effective in monitoring traffic flow, identifying accidents, enhancing communication between services and improving safety on roads.

AI Tools: FlowX, VivaCity, Department for Transport (DfT) AI Road Monitoring

Case Study:

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) carried out a pilot project with VivaCity in 2024, during which AI tools were installed into road sensors across the region to detect near-miss incidents and reduce future accidents.

2. Vehicle Route Planning

Local authorities can benefit from using AI to optimise route planning for council vehicles, using a data-driven approach based on real-time traffic information.

AI Tools: Routeware EasyRoute, Webaspx

Case Study:

Lancashire County Council employs AI technology to improve its transport network through bus route planning, traffic management and predictive data analysis.

3. Road Maintenance

Councils can utilise data collected by AI tools to carry out predictive maintenance tasks and infrastructure repairs, allowing for preventative solutions that ensure damages to roads and buildings don’t escalate.

AI Tools: PredictX, Affinity Works

Case Study:

Hertfordshire County Council collaborated with researchers at the University of Liverpool and technology company Robotiz3d to develop an AI-driven road maintenance tool, used to identify and fix road flaws before they progress into potholes.

4. Issue reporting

Councils are implementing AI-based tools to detect street issues and boost engagement amongst members of the community in preserving public spaces.

AI Tools: FixMyStreet Pro, LocalGov Drupal

Case study:

Westminster City Council developed the online ‘Report It’ tool which enables residents to flag issues such as fly-tipping or graffiti in the local area, encouraging accountability amongst members of the community, as well as increasing the efficiency of local authorities’ ‘incident triage’ methods.

5. Social Care

AI can be used to predict social care risk factors, enabling local authorities to identify families requiring urgent and targeted support, as well as providing efficient early intervention measures.

AI Tools: PredictX, Affinity Works

Case study:

North Yorkshire Council used Microsoft Azure to develop a proof-of-concept project that reduced the volume of admin work assigned to children’s social workers, whilst also enhancing decision making and boosting training resources.

6. Citizen Engagement and Chatbots

AI chatbots can facilitate 24/7 access to council services and resources, enhancing community engagement by encouraging the submission of queries and requests.

AI Tools: Ami Chatbot, Futr AI, ICS.AI SMART Assistant

Case Study:

Peterborough Council developed the ‘Hey Geraldine’ AI assistant, a tool used in the social care sector to promote workforce development, enhance productivity and improve the accessibility of technology-enabled care.

7. Urban Planning and Development Strategy

Local authorities can implement AI to boost planning and development projects through the analysis of population, housing and transport data.

AI Tools: Alan Turing Institute's Spatial Data Science, Newcastle City Council's Planning Pilot

Case Study:

Newcastle City Council and the Alan Turing Institute created an AI prototype tool that utilised data science to inform future decisions about land use.

8. Environmental Monitoring

AI can help local authorities produce long-term sustainability solutions through the collection and analysis of environmental data, enabling councils to develop more thorough risk and hazard management techniques.

AI Tools: PlanetScope, Sentinel-2, Ground-Based Sensors

Case Study:

BCP Council launched an AI pilot scheme in 2021, involving the use of drone-based technology to assist with litter control and the maintenance of public spaces.

9. Public Safety and Crime Prediction

Councils can employ AI to examine past crime data and statistics, improving public safety by boosting police and community protection services.

AI Tools: Predictive Policing Algorithms, AI-enabled Surveillance Systems

Case Study:

Westminster City Council uses AI-enabled audio detecting CCTV cameras to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

10. Budgeting and Financial Management

AI can support councils in completing budgeting work such as financial risk assessments, resource allocation tasks and calculations of spendings and revenue.

AI Tools: PredictX, Affinity Works, Data Analytics Platforms

Case Study:

Birmingham City Council use AI-based solutions to reduce budget gaps and devise more cost-effective work methods for staff.

For more case studies visit the Local Government Association’s AI case study bank.

This article was written with the help of ChatGPT.