As government publishes a tranche of algorithmic transparency records, PublicTechnology catches up with minister Feryal Clark to discuss Whitehall’s work with local authorities, and the importance of transparency and security
As the government shines a light on a range of public sector uses of artificial intelligence, a minister has told PublicTechnology that, unlike its predecessors, her administration is focused on the potential upside of the technology – and not just “doomsday scenarios”.
Today marks the publication of 10 new transparency records using the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) – a standardised framework which public bodies can use to publish information on their use of algorithms.
Among the submissions published today include the use of an algorithm by Sutton Council which collects and analyses information collected by sensors deployed in the homes of vulnerable residents, on items such as fridges, kettles and doors. This technology, from UK software firm The Access Group, is intended to help the borough’s social care professionals “spot changes in behaviour, like missed meals, a skipped cup of tea or whether a door has been left open for too long”, according to government.
It is incredibly important that we work with local authorities, and they are an essential part of our vision of digitising government – which is about central government, local government, and regional government.
Another ATRS record released today is a tool used by West Berkshire Council which helps ascertain whether applicants are eligible to receive a bigger black bin. The algorithm, which was developed by the authority’s internal experts, “takes in information from an online application form… to automatically rule out” those who do not qualify.
Also newly included on the transparency register are several other use cases in the care sector, including a chatbot for those interested in applying for Welsh social-care qualifications, and a tool intended to help local councils forecast spending requirements more accurately.
Speaking to PublicTechnology to mark the new publications, AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark said that the latest round of publications is important because “we need the public to understand and trust the use of AI”.
She cited the particular significance of government – and its newly expanded ‘digital centre’ in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – working with its local counterparts to support the use of new technologies, particularly as ministers work on delivering the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
“I spent 15 years in local government, and they do amazing work,” she said. “Almost everyone will have contact with a local authority, and councils will have a huge role in delivering and supporting [our plans] and in gaining confidence. It is incredibly important that we work with local authorities, and they are an essential part of our vision of digitising government – which is about central government, local government, and regional government.”
The algorithm and sensors deployed by Sutton Council represent an example that could be implemented by other public bodies, according to Clark. Similarly, central government’s GOV.UK Chat tool – a chatbot based on ChatGPT’s technology which is currently in private beta, being tested for its ability to answer business-based questions – could also be replicated in other contexts.
“In Sutton, it is a fantastic use case; when we look at the pressures on local authorities, [care] is one of the biggest areas,” Clark told PublicTechnology. “It is an example that could be rolled out across the country. There are huge opportunities, not just in social care, but in all areas [of public-service provision].”
She added: “Our AI bot for businesses – that could easily be deployed at a local level as well. So, there are opportunities to replicate those services across all layers of government… the previous government spent far too long concentrating on the doomsday scenarios, and not the opportunities of AI.”
Ramping up records
While the latest array of data releases covers algorithms used by local authorities, the use of ATRS was last year mandated for central government departments – unless they qualify for “some limited but necessary exemptions, [such as] for national security reasons”, according to previous government guidance. Under the new regime, Whitehall agencies are required to publicly provide information about algorithms in use in their operations.
There are currently 18 records – out of a total of 33 released in total – that have been published by central government entities.

PublicTechnology asked Clark (pictured right) whether there will be an acceleration of publication by Whitehall agencies in the coming months – and whether DSIT is having to push departments to ensure compliance.
“All departments are working on getting their lists out,” she said. “We will see more ramping up of that – we are looking at all services across government to see where automations [are possible]. Where there are, then we will follow that with the publication of a record.”
The minister added: “I would not say there is a push – there is huge excitement across government at the moment. I am one of the most popular ministers at the moment! Because all of the other ministers are looking at the opportunities of utilising AI.”