Photo:
Indeed, you read correctly.
The UK’s current government is actively promoting the use of AI to streamline administrative tasks typically performed by civil servants, according to a report by the Financial Times. UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden is set to unveil a new tool called the “red box” that can absorb and summarize information from reliable sources such as the parliamentary record. Another tool is being trialed for drafting individual responses to public consultations. While the speed at which the AI tool can perform these tasks is unclear, Dowden asserts that it takes three months with 25 civil servants. However, all drafts will undergo human review and include proper sourcing.
Dowden’s push for AI adoption aligns with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s goal of leveraging technology to improve government productivity. Both leaders believe that implementing AI technology is crucial to reducing the size of the Civil Service, which has expanded due to the pandemic and EU exit preparedness. However, neither Dowden nor Sunak have suggested using AI to replace their own roles, which would save money.
While the government intends to utilize AI for administrative tasks, Dowden emphasized that it will not be used for “novel or contentious or highly politically sensitive areas.” The Cabinet Office’s AI division is expected to expand from 30 to 70 employees and receive a budget increase from £5 million ($6.3 million) to £110 million ($139.1 million).
The Telegraph quoted Dowden stating that AI technology is essential for reducing civil service jobs and achieving a sustainable path to headcount reduction. The government aims to embrace AI to drive down the size of the Civil Service, which has grown significantly due to the impact of the pandemic and EU exit preparedness.
It is worth noting that Dowden acknowledges the limitations of AI and has expressed restraint in its application. In a pre-speech briefing, he emphasized that AI will not be used in areas that are considered novel, contentious, or highly politically sensitive. Despite this, the Cabinet Office’s AI division is set to experience significant growth in terms of personnel and budget.