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UK looks to AI to improve public services
An ambitious technological plan to streamline bureaucracy, reduce costs and improve administrative efficiency with the “Humphrey
Isabella V21 January 2025

 

The United Kingdom has launched an ambitious project to modernize government IT infrastructure by leveraging AI and improving collaboration between departments. The goal is to optimize government services, reduce costs and improve administrative efficiency, with the support of the “Humphrey” AI package.

Key points:

  • Technology innovation: Creation of a dedicated team to coordinate government departments and implement advanced technologies.
  • Specific training: New program to turn government technicians into AI experts.
  • Cost reduction: Centralization of technology procurement and support for innovative startups to generate economic growth.
  • “Humphrey” AI package: Dedicated tools for rapid analysis, data management and optimization of policy decisions.


In response to historic shortcomings in IT management, the UK is focusing on a strategic plan to digitize public services. A new department of science, technology and innovation will lead this transformation, working with various government bodies to simplify bureaucracy and reduce inefficiencies. The initiative aims to unify information systems, eliminating duplication of processes-one example is preventing citizens from repeating the same information to multiple agencies. To ensure success, the plan also includes training of public staff, with the goal of creating a new generation of AI-savvy engineers. Among the innovations, the “Humphrey” package, in honor of the satirical Yes Minister character, will offer tools designed to improve the analysis of public consultations, reducing time and costs through automation. Currently, similar processes are often outsourced, generating significant expenses for the taxpayer. With the help of interactive dashboards, the new tools will provide a clear and immediate view of the opinions gathered, improving decision-making transparency. Other tools will target asset management and report writing, traditionally wasteful and inefficient areas. In parallel, a Digital Commercial Center of Excellence will be established to centrally negotiate technology contracts, also facilitating market access for local startups. However, the project is not without its challenges, considering previous IT modernization failures in the public sector: soaring costs, prolonged delays, and the persistence of outdated systems. Recent studies indicate that about half of annual government IT spending is used to keep outdated infrastructure running. The government, however, appears determined to reverse this trend by focusing on modern, integrated solutions. As Science Secretary Peter Kyle stated, the goal is to overcome bureaucratic fragmentation and speed up administrative procedures for citizens and businesses. The publication of the “blueprint for modern digital government” is an important step in this direction, with the promise of significant savings and greater operational efficiency.

In an era of rapid technological change, this initiative could mark a turning point for the UK government in the management of public services and IT resources.