Local councils are facing challenges with AI procurement, says Ada Lovelace Institute report.
- The report reviewed 16 pieces of AI guidance and legislation from 2010 to 2024.
- Central government has a positive AI outlook but provides insufficient local support.
- Lack of transparency and fairness in AI adoption processes is highlighted.
- Ethical procurement with limited budgets is a significant challenge for local authorities.
The Ada Lovelace Institute has highlighted significant challenges faced by local authorities in the procurement of artificial intelligence technologies for public services. Despite government optimism about public sector AI implementation, local councils are reportedly left without adequate support or clear procurement strategies. The report, which analysed 16 pieces of AI guidance and legislation issued by the government from 2010 to 2024, indicates that local entities struggle particularly with ensuring transparency and fairness in AI adoption.
According to Imogen Parker, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute, ethical procurement processes are crucial. She mentions, “Procurement can and should be a key lever in ensuring that AI tools being used by local government are safe, effective, fair and in the public interest.” However, she acknowledges that integrating robust ethical procedures while operating under budget constraints poses a serious challenge, comparing the potential risks of neglecting this area to the infamous Post Office’s Horizon scandal.
The institute warns that as most AI technologies are produced by private firms, it is critical for local councils to thoroughly evaluate the quality and safety of these technologies during procurement. Anna Studman, a senior researcher at the Ada Lovelace Institute, emphasises this point, stating that “AI and data-driven systems can severely damage public trust and reduce public benefit if the predictions or outcomes they produce are discriminatory, harmful or simply ineffective.” The report underscores that procurement provides a unique opportunity for local authorities to question suppliers about the societal impacts of their innovations.
Effective AI procurement is essential to safeguard public trust and ensure technology serves the community’s best interests.
