Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to integrate AI into civil service functions; and if he will make an estimate of the potential impact of AI on costs to the public purse in the next five financial years.

The Central Digital & Data Office has worked with HM Treasury to develop assessment criteria for the spending review. The criteria focus on generating value for the taxpayer and ensuring investment in AI technology provides a significant return on investment.

There is ongoing work to analyse the potential cost and value of AI for civil service functions, the outcomes of which are yet to be determined.

Public sector adoption is a key part of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will detail how we can reimagine our public services by ensuring the public sector takes advantage of the best emerging use-cases and tools.