UK minister urges wider AI use across public services

In short: A UK Treasury minister said public services need to adopt AI more widely, warning that not doing so would be “choosing decline.”

What happened

Lucy Rigby, the newly appointed chief secretary to the Treasury, said the UK government should use more technology, including AI, across public services. She argued that avoiding AI would be a mistake for the country.

Public services are the parts of government people use day to day, like processing benefits, handling tax questions, and running back office work. “Whitehall” is a common name for the central UK government, meaning the main departments that help run the country.

Rigby’s message was that AI should be treated as a practical tool, not a side project. AI, short for artificial intelligence, is software that can do tasks that normally need human effort, like sorting large amounts of information or drafting standard replies (like a very fast assistant that follows patterns).

Why it matters

If the government uses AI well, it could mean quicker replies, less paperwork, and fewer delays for people trying to get help. But AI can also make mistakes, and it can handle sensitive personal information, so any rollout will raise questions about accuracy, safety, and accountability. For most people, the real test will be whether services feel simpler and faster, without creating new errors or unfair decisions.

Source: Financial Times