Councillors promised West Sussex won't be run by 'the Terminator'
The use of AI tools are being explored by officials, to see if they can enhance council services and save money
As West Sussex County Council delves into the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence, one councillor has assured locals that the Terminator won't be running operations anytime soon.
During a scrutiny meeting, Steve Waight, cabinet member for support services, emphasized AI as the county’s 'only viable way forward' to provide over 300 services while reducing costs.
Mr Waight highlighted the increasing difficulty of balancing service provision and finances compared to two decades ago.
“Every year, finding savings without cutting services has become more and more difficult.
“I think, with Artificial Intelligence, this is the first time in my time on the council that we have available a resource that I view almost as a holy grail, where you can actually improve the efficiency of the council and reduce costs.”
Currently, AI is utilized in various council functions, including transcribing and translating in social care, enhancing business management systems, and predicting pressures in adults and children's services.
As discussions progressed, Councillor John Dabell interjected, referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famed depiction of the Terminator, conveying concerns about technology's influence.
“I keep expecting Arnold Schwarzenegger to show up with all this talk about what’s going on at the moment.”
But, councillor Jay Mercer from Horsham East suggested updating the council's digital strategy from late 2024, advocating for AI to become a standalone initiative for broader benefits across the council.
“At the end of the day, we’re talking about a tool for productivity. We are a business of words and data leading to evidence decisions which, when implemented, lead to good services. It is critical to the core of our being that we use AI appropriately.”
Despite dramatic portrayals of AI in Hollywood, reassurance was offered that the technology would be 'harnessed as a tool,' distinguishing fiction from the reality of council operations.