Kingston Council is adopting a cautious approach to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, focusing on efficiency tools while developing robust governance frameworks to mitigate potential risks. The council's strategy was reviewed by the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The council is mindful of the rapid acceleration of consumer AI tools and the ease with which staff can access them. To address this, a measured approach is being taken, with a focus on AI tools that can enhance efficiency. However, the council is also developing governance arrangements to manage the risks associated with biased or insecure AI systems, and the potential for increased demand from residents utilizing AI in their interactions with council services.
Key components of governance and risk mitigation
Kingston Council is developing governance arrangements to manage AI risks. The key components include a focus on guiding principles for data and information protection when using AI, and the development of a data and AI strategy alongside its digital strategy. The council is prioritizing risks associated with the potential for biased, non-compliant, or insecure AI systems. Another significant concern is the risk of council services being overwhelmed by increased demand from residents using AI. The council is also considering the ethical use of AI and is actively engaging in conversations to influence and learn about its practical application.
During the committee meeting, Councillor Sachin Tulyani raised concerns about the pace of AI adoption, questioning how the council is ensuring its governance arrangements keep pace with technological advancements. Officers explained that the council is in the early stages of AI adoption, primarily using AI as tools for efficiency, with agentic AI, where AI makes decisions, not currently being explored.
Specific efficiency tools and pilots
Kingston Council is exploring AI for specific activities to enhance efficiency. These include using Gemini, a Google AI tool, for quick summaries of email conversations and investigating tools to help understand and process Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. The council is also looking into AI tools for redacting information. In social care, a pilot of generative AI for note-taking has been undertaken to support social workers and improve their time efficiency. Furthermore, the council is collaborating with its platform provider, Amazon Workspace, on AI and automation pilots, with initial sprints underway to explore automating activities across various services.
Preparing for increased service demand
The council acknowledges that AI is rapidly evolving and that employees may use AI tools on their own devices, potentially with council information. To counter this, the council is reinforcing its information governance principles and exploring how to protect data and information. The potential for AI to increase demand on council services, particularly in areas like legal services and responding to information requests, is also being monitored. Kingston Council is experiencing an increase in demand, partly driven by residents using AI. This is particularly evident in FOI requests, which are becoming more prevalent and AI-generated. The council is investigating tools to help decipher the actual request and formulate responses. AI is also being used to generate legal arguments for representations to legal services and to formulate complex statutory challenges around service provision. The council acknowledges that this increased demand will eventually have a financial impact and is looking at how to manage this, including tools for redacting information and meeting statutory timelines for FOI and subject access requests to avoid sanctions from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Partnerships and learning
Mitigation strategies include clear guidance for staff, ongoing data and AI strategy development alongside the digital strategy, and controlled pilots managed by the Digital, Data and Technology team. The council is also working with partners and learning from bodies like the Local Government Association (LGA) to understand the ethical implications and best practices for AI adoption. Specifically, Kingston Council is working closely with its platform provider, Amazon Workspace, who are providing significant support and explanations of AI tools. They are also working with other partners to explore AI options, recognizing the need for a managed process given the vast array of available solutions. The council plans to learn from the LGA regarding the prolific use of AI, which is becoming a significant issue for all local authorities and impacting workload. These collaborations are crucial for staying abreast of AI developments and ensuring responsible adoption.
Public reports pack Thursday 03-Sep-2026 19.30 Audit Governance and Standards Committee
