William Eichler 27 May 2025

AI ‘Humphrey’ to help councils cut costs

AI ‘Humphrey’ to help councils cut costs image
AI tool ‘Minute’ is designed to make note taking easier across multiple different services. © VideoFlow / Shutterstock.com.

Twenty-five local authorities are trialling a new AI tool called ‘Minute’ to help speed up admin tasks in areas such as planning and social care.

Part of the ‘Humphrey’ suite being rolled out across Whitehall, which was named after the fictional civil servant in the TV series Yes, Minister, ‘Minute’ is designed to make note taking easier across multiple different services.

The Government has also published a new AI Knowledge Hub, which shares examples of how local councils are using technology.

‘From parking permits and planning permission, local councils handle some of the services that impact our daily lives most,’ said AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark.

‘For too long, they have been left to fend for themselves when keeping up with rapid innovations in AI and digital technology – when we know it has huge potential to help solve many of the challenges they face.’

Clark added: 'This is just the first step as we are also going to work with local councils to help them buy and build the technology they need to deliver our Plan for Change and support their local communities more effectively.’

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