Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform how local authorities deliver services, providing greater insight, personalisation options and improving satisfaction levels. The Local Government Association (LGA) published a National AI Strategy - Policy brief which acknowledges that while the use of AI by local government is still at an early stage it is becoming more common. 

Community engagement is a key role for local authorities with several aspects of their responsibilities reliant on gathering community feedback and engagement. There are a number of potentially interesting uses which AI can be put to in order to assist with this function. AI chatbots interact in an increasingly human-like manner, in addition, AI can be used to allow real time translation - aiding in bridging the communication gap. AI chatbots can also assess the tone of a conversation and spot where escalation (to a real human) is required, produce summaries and spot trends to highlight key areas of concern across a constituency. These tools have the ability to help councils benefit from more effective community engagement and enhance public satisfaction.