Local authorities leverage power of AI to help people live more independently
The UK Government has revealed that councils are using AI and technology to enhance public services, save money, and improve living standards, aligning with the government’s Plan for Change.
Some local authorities are using AI as assistive technology to help people live more independently, such as helping to identify when somebody has had a fall.
Published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the latest transparency data shows that councils are finding new and innovative ways to make AI work for working people.
The publication of records follows the Technology Secretary setting out a blueprint for how his department will help the public sector use technology to transform public services, targeting £45 billion in potential productivity savings.
The plan will see a new team, housed in the DSIT, cut across barriers to join up public services, including those provided by local councils, so people do not have to tell dozens of organisations the same thing.
This team will first start by looking at services used by people with long-term health conditions across organisations like the NHS, Department for Work and Pensions, councils, and more.
Speaking from a trip to see the Tech Enabled Care solution in Sutton, AI and Digital Government Minister, Feryal Clark, said: “AI has immense potential to make our lives easier and improve public service. The technology we are together sharing with the public today includes shining examples of innovation that does everything from speeding up crucial applications for bigger bins, to helping people live independently.
“Being transparent with the detail of how we are putting AI to work in public services is crucial to our plans to use technology to improve public services, which is a key part of our Plan for Change.”
One initiative includes AI-enabled fridge sensors and connected kettles being used to detect changes in the daily routines of vulnerable people that could indicate a decline in health and ultimately lead to a fall, thanks to technology used by the London Borough of Sutton.
Helping people who would otherwise need additional care, the technology uses sensors to spot changes in behaviour, like missed meals, a skipped cup of tea, or whether a door has been left open for too long, before AI analysis is used to detect whether something might be wrong. An alert is then sent to close family members or carers so they can stop by to check on how they are and offer additional support if needed.
Details of the technology, which was developed by Loughborough technology company The Access Group and Medequip Connect, have been released, alongside nine other public sector organisations setting out how they use AI and algorithmic tools.
Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for People Services at the London Borough of Sutton, commented: “Research shows that people live well for longer when they can maintain their sense of independence and dignity by remaining in their own home.
“That’s why we are using the latest digital technology to enable our residents to continue living their lives independently within the comfort of their own home, but with the peace of mind that support is available when they need it.
“The pressures facing our adult social care services show no sign of easing, so I’m proud the Council is taking this forward-thinking approach to find solutions that will reduce the pressure on the system, as well as being beneficial for our residents.”
Other records published by the government detail chatbots used to help people apply for social care qualifications in Wales, and algorithmic tools to help councils more accurately predict the cost of adult care, so they can better manage their budgets.