Artificial intelligence (AI) use among councils is increasing, but one in 10 are still not using any forms of the technology, a survey has found. 

The Local Government Association survey found the proportion not using AI had fallen from 19% to 11% in a year. Only half of those not using any AI said they were exploring how it could be deployed. 

Lack of funding was the biggest barrier to using or increasing use of AI, cited by three in five councils. 

The most used tools were those involving generative AI such as ChatGPT to create content and reports. These were utilised by more than four in five councils – up from seven in 10 last year.

Another growth area was the use of simulation AI for testing and in training, which was used by one in 14 councils, compared to one in 33 last year. 

More than four in five councils were using AI to support their human resources, administration, procurement, finance and cyber security departments, while more than two in five were using AI in adult health and social care and three in 10 were deploying AI in children's health and social care. 

Among those surveyed around a third said staff productivity had improved and services were more efficient through using AI. One in five highlighted it had saved money. 

Spokesperson for digital leadership at senior officers' organisation Solace, Alison McKenzie-Folan, said: ‘Often, some local authorities can be a bit hesitant about some of these risky areas.

‘However, as a sector, we're being proactive and open-minded, grabbing this as an opportunity. When you speak to people across local government, there tends to be a real hunger for innovation. It's a massive agenda for all of us.

‘AI improves productivity, particularly for frontline staff. It's a really important tool and I think it really does offer us an opportunity for cost savings. The opportunities from AI and what it can bring to our organisations is incredible.'

Regional director at software firm Dynatrace, Evrim Tekeşin, added: ‘The long-anticipated shift towards smarter, tech-enabled public services is finally underway.

‘AI tools will help streamline burdensome administrative tasks, enabling staff to focus on tasks beyond paperwork. This, in turn, will speed up decision-making, supporting communities and accelerating approval processes. With the right systems in place, digital transformation won't just cut costs – it will deliver consistently better services for communities.'