UK government to roll out AI tool to streamline public consultations, aiming for major cost and time savings

In a move that could reshape how the UK government handles public feedback, ministers are preparing to deploy a new artificial intelligence tool across Whitehall. The tool—called Consult—has already been tested in Scotland and promises to analyse public consultation responses up to 1,000 times faster than a human. Officials say the rollout could save taxpayers £20 million a year and free up tens of thousands of hours in staff time.

The initial pilot took place during a Scottish government consultation on regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures like lip fillers. Consult sifted through over 2,000 responses, identifying recurring themes and sentiments. These findings were later reviewed by human experts, who confirmed the AI’s conclusions closely mirrored their own.

Built as part of a broader AI initiative dubbed “Humphrey,” the technology is intended to reduce reliance on costly third-party consultants and accelerate the pace of policy development. Ministers argue that with more than 500 public consultations taking place each year, the efficiencies could be significant—not just in terms of budget, but also in how quickly policies can be refined and implemented.

However, the rollout isn’t without concerns. Michael Rovatsos, professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, cautioned against over-reliance on the system. He pointed to risks of embedded bias and manipulation, especially if the AI is influenced by coordinated inputs from bad actors. “There’s a danger that ministers and civil servants might see this as a quick fix to save money, but doing this well is essential and hard,” he warned. Rovatsos emphasized that proper oversight and upfront investment in AI safety would be critical to avoid unintended consequences.

Despite being in the trial phase, the government believes Consult could be active in departments by the end of 2025. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle praised the tool’s early performance, calling it a practical step toward more efficient governance. “No one should be wasting time on something AI can do quicker and better,” he said. “The Scottish government has taken a bold first step. Now we’re ready to scale.”

The UK joins a growing number of governments worldwide exploring AI’s potential to modernize bureaucratic processes. For businesses and policy stakeholders, the shift could mean faster feedback loops and more agile regulation—provided the technology proves reliable and transparent.

Summary:

The UK government is introducing Consult, an AI tool designed to streamline public consultations, potentially saving £20 million annually and reducing staff workload. Successfully piloted in Scotland, the tool is part of a larger AI initiative but raises concerns around bias and security. If implemented carefully, it could accelerate policymaking and reduce reliance on consultants.

FAQs: AI in UK Government Consultations

1. What is the AI tool “Consult” and how does it work?

Consult is an AI-based tool developed by the UK government to analyse public consultation responses. It identifies patterns and key themes at high speed, producing insights comparable to those generated by human analysts.

2. Where has Consult been used so far?

The tool was first tested by the Scottish government during a consultation on non-surgical cosmetic procedure regulations.

3. How much time and money could Consult save?

Officials estimate it could save £20 million annually and free up about 75,000 staff hours across 500 consultations each year.

4. Will AI completely replace human input in the consultation process?

No. Human experts will still review and validate the AI’s findings. However, there are concerns about potential over-reliance and the risk of unchecked bias.

5. What are the risks associated with using AI in public policy?

Experts warn of risks such as algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and vulnerability to manipulation by coordinated actors. Proper safeguards and oversight are essential.

6. When will Consult be fully implemented?

There’s no fixed date, but the UK government expects broader deployment in departments by the end of 2025.

7. How does this affect businesses and stakeholders?

Faster analysis could shorten feedback cycles on regulations, allowing businesses to respond more quickly to policy changes. It may also reduce delays in implementing or adjusting regulatory frameworks.

8. Is this part of a larger strategy?

Yes. Consult is one component of a broader AI initiative called “Humphrey,” aimed at modernizing government operations and reducing consulting costs.