March 19th 2026
The government has launched Local AI, a new initiative designed to help councils adopt artificial intelligence (AI) safely, responsibly and at scale.
Announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Local AI is a dedicated team that will work with councils to address real-world pressures and support the use of AI to improve public services.
The programme aims to reduce duplication, build reusable tools and help councils navigate a complex and fast-moving AI market with greater confidence. By focusing on practical challenges, such as administrative burden and fragmented systems, Local AI is intended to support more efficient ways of working and improve outcomes for people who draw on services.
Local AI will focus on two main areas: building and scaling AI solutions, and strengthening the foundations for safe and responsible use. This includes improving data quality and availability, supporting secure and ethical use of AI, and helping councils navigate a complex and fast-moving market.
Initial work has explored how AI could support services such as temporary accommodation, including the potential to scale tools that automate transcription and summarisation. These approaches could help reduce administrative burden and free up staff time.
For adult social care, the potential implications are significant. Many care providers face similar challenges to councils, including time spent on recording, reporting and navigating multiple systems. Approaches that reduce duplication and support better use of data could help staff spend more time delivering care and support. Local AI has said that adult social care is one of its areas of focus.
Digital Care Hub encourages care providers, commissioners and system partners to engage with Local AI and share their experiences. This is an opportunity to shape how AI is used in ways that are safe, practical and genuinely beneficial.
The Local AI team has emphasised that it will work in partnership with councils and the wider sector, building on existing innovation and learning from what is already working.
This collaborative approach aligns with the Digital Care Hub’s mission and our work on the AI in Social Care Alliance.
Find out more about Local AI including how to get involved.
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