Artificial Intelligence
Councils are actively exploring and implementing artificial intelligence to enhance public safety, improve service delivery, and address online harm.
Richmond upon Thames' safeguarding partnership identified responding to technology-facilitated harm, including the use of AI to manipulate images, as a strategic priority in September 2026, as highlighted at an Education and Children's Services Committee meeting. This is part of efforts to combat teen suicide and online harm.
Councils are also implementing AI to improve services and efficiency. Hammersmith and Fulham Council is investing £3.2 million to upgrade its CCTV network with AI capabilities for public safety and enforcement, including facial recognition, as detailed in November 2025. Croydon Council is exploring AI integration for its 'Love Clean Streets' app to enhance waste management, according to recommendations from its Scrutiny & Overview Committee in November 2025. Richmond upon Thames Council decided in October 2025 to trial AI for pothole detection.
Southwark Council is exploring AI as part of its broader effort to streamline tasks and improve service delivery, standardising on UiPath for Robotic Process Automation deployments in July 2025. Separately, Redbridge GPs began using AI in October 2025 to speed up chest X-ray results, aiming to reduce waiting times from three weeks to three days.
Key facts
- Richmond upon Thames' safeguarding partnership identified responding to technology-facilitated harm, including AI to manipulate images, as a strategic priority in September 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council is investing £3.2 million over three years to upgrade its CCTV network with AI capabilities, as detailed in November 2025. Source
- Croydon Council is exploring AI integration for its 'Love Clean Streets' app to enhance waste management, according to recommendations in November 2025. Source
- Redbridge GPs are implementing AI to expedite chest X-ray results, potentially reducing waiting times from three weeks to three days, as of October 2025. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council decided in October 2025 to trial the use of AI to detect potholes. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.