Case Study

AI transforms public services as one council cuts task time from days to minutes

A recent case study by Agilisys showcases how North Somerset Council's implementation of Generative AI is enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency across multiple departments:

⚡️ Reduced survey analysis time by 90%, freeing up staff for more meaningful work.

🚀 120+ staff across various services seamlessly integrated GenAI into their daily workflows.

💡 20+ high-impact use cases implemented in just one month, showcasing AI's versatility in public sector applications.

🔗 Download Agilisys case study to learn more.

Local Governance

Councillors Demand Greater Control Over Holiday Lets and Planning Reforms

York councillors are urging for enhanced powers to manage holiday lets and reform planning permissions to prevent the loss of homes. Labour's Cllr Michael Pavlovic highlighted that 9,000 homes with planning permission remain unbuilt, while Liberal Democrat Cllr Nigel Ayre criticised mandatory house building targets, fearing they could harm green belt protections.

The call follows a consultation on national planning policy reforms, with the Government expected to implement changes by year-end. The reforms, introduced after Labour's July election victory, aim to address the housing crisis. Councillors passed a motion on 19 September advocating for local authority control over second homes and short-term lets.

Public Welfare

LGA Responds to Fuel Stress Report Affecting 7.7 Million Households

The Local Government Association (LGA) has responded to a Resolution Foundation report indicating that 7.7 million households in England face fuel stress this winter, including many families with children. Cllr Pete Marland, Chair of the LGA’s Economy and Resources Board, emphasised that no household should endure fuel stress and highlighted the efforts of councils to support vulnerable communities.

The extension of the Household Support Fund is welcomed, but Marland advocates for expanding and reforming Cold Weather payments to assist more households, including poorer pensioners and families, without straining public finances. He calls for a shift from short-term crisis support to investment in preventative services, underpinned by a well-resourced national welfare system.

Government Policy

Gove Admits Local Government Faced Unfair Austerity Burden

Michael Gove acknowledged that local government bore an "unfair" and "disproportionate" share of austerity measures, suffering significantly as a result. He admitted this during a fringe event at the Conservative party conference, despite agreeing with the broader economic strategies of George Osbourne and David Cameron.

Gove highlighted efforts under Boris Johnson's leadership to focus on "levelling up" and improving local government funding. He recognised the precarious financial positions of some councils and stressed the need for a balanced approach between central and local funding. Gove also criticised the Treasury's reluctance to support policies without immediate financial returns, advocating for a multiagency approach to tackle regional economic inequality.

Government Technology

Public Service Data Live Explores AI and Data in Government Services

The Public Service Data Live conference, held at the Business Design Centre in London, gathers UK public servants to discuss leveraging data and AI for improved government services. Keynote speakers include Craig Suckling, the UK government's chief data officer, and Sarah Munby, permanent secretary of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Morning sessions focus on using data to enhance public sector productivity and address bias in automation. Afternoon discussions cover AI deployment and practical steps for data readiness. The event is significant as it follows the transfer of digital agencies to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The conference is supported by platinum knowledge partner esynergy and several gold knowledge partners.