Gloucestershire County Council will use AI as part of a scheme designed to overhaul the way it operates, with £3.4 million of investment set to be approved this April 2026.
It's hoped the scheme, called Stronger Futures, will help the council to modernise and 'get a grip' on rising costs, using new technology, tighter financial controls and a more efficient structure to deliver millions in savings, while safeguarding essential services.
It will see new AI and digital tools implemented to help council departments cut waste, crack down on unnecessary spending and improve services and value for money, according to local democracy reporter,col Carmelo Garcia.
Announcing the plans, deputy leader of the council, Colin Hay, said the authority is 'not going to sit back and wait for financial pressures to force damaging cuts on our communities'.
'We are taking control, not waiting for cuts. Stronger Futures is about getting a grip on spending, modernising the council, and protecting the services people rely on.'
The scheme is intended to 'strengthen financial resilience and corporate grip and control by accelerating targeted change', including better use of technology; better control of third-party spend; and a 'clearer and leaner' organisation.
The new AI and digital tools will help create a 'structured, evidence-based route from delivery activity to cashable savings', rather than relying on the broad savings targets or short-term management it does currently.
Desired outcomes of the scheme include improved productivity and 'reduced avoidable manual effort' through technology; reduced external spend through stronger commercial control; simpler structures with clearer accountabilities; and a stronger, more controlled route to delivering savings by April 2027, while supporting the council's position ahead of local government reorganisation in April 2028.
The council's cabinet is set to approve the £3.4 million scheme this week.
