TL;DR
- UK MPs warn that outdated IT systems and lack of digital skills threaten government's AI plans for the public sector.
- A report by the Public Accounts Committee highlights that 28% of central government systems are considered legacy tech, hampering data quality and AI effectiveness.
- The government aims to recruit 2,000 new tech apprentices but faces skepticism over its capacity to drive necessary reforms.
- Experts call for better leadership, more funding for technology upgrades, and increased transparency to build public trust.
MPs Warn of Challenges in UK Government's AI Drive
The UK government’s ambitious plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public sector operations face significant challenges, according to a recent report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Outdated IT systems, insufficient data quality, and a shortage of skilled personnel threaten the realization of these goals. The emphasis on AI as a means to improve efficiency and drive economic growth may be undermined by these persistent issues.
According to the PAC report, published on March 26, 2025, there are several critical factors hampering the adoption of AI within the public sector. Notably, 28% of central government IT systems are classified as legacy tech—systems that are often "out-of-support", obsolescent, and unable to be upgraded. This outdated infrastructure has raised concerns about data quality, critical for effective AI deployment.
“The government has said it wants to mainline AI into the veins of the nation, but our report raises questions over whether the public sector is ready for such a procedure,” stated Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chair of the PAC. "Unfortunately, those familiar with our Committee's past scrutiny of the government's frankly sclerotic digital architecture will know that any promises of sudden transformation are for the birds.”[^1]
AI Ambitions and Legacy Systems
The PAC’s analysis indicates that 21 out of the 72 designated highest-risk legacy systems have yet to receive remediation funding. This delay in addressing legacy IT systems compromises the government’s ability to leverage AI effectively, as it heavily relies on high-quality and accessible data.
The report also cites a lack of transparency in the government’s use of AI, which may hinder public trust. The committee emphasizes that citizens must be assured that their data will be used responsibly, thus enhancing the ethical framework surrounding AI implementation.
In January, during the unveiling of the government's AI strategy, it was promised that AI would "turbocharge" efforts to provide better public services. However, skepticism remains in light of the identified obstacles, exacerbated by a digital skills shortage. Approximately 70% of government departments acknowledge having difficulty in recruiting and retaining talent with AI skills. This shortage is driven partly by uncompetitive salaries as compared to the private sector[^5][^6].
Steps Forward
To address these challenges, the PAC recommendations include:
- The establishment of clear funding plans for essential technology upgrades within six months.
- Stronger leadership and clearer oversight of AI pilot programs to prevent operational silos that limit learning and advancement.
- The inclusion of digital professionals in key management positions to guide technology adoption effectively.
Furthermore, the PAC report warns that the government remains at risk of dependence on a small number of major technology suppliers. This could stifle competition and inhibit innovations within the market.
In conclusion, while the UK government's commitment to enhancing its public sector through AI holds promising potential, a roadmap that includes timely funding, skilled workforce recruitment, transparent operations, and improved infrastructure is essential. The call for action from MPs presents both an urgent need and an opportunity to redefine the public sector's technological landscape for the better.
References
[^1]: "Uphill struggle ahead for Govt’s use of AI as PAC report reveals the scale of the challenge". Parliamentary Committees and Public Enquiries. Retrieved March 27, 2025. [^2]: "UK will struggle to boost public sector with AI drive, MPs warn". Financial Times. Published March 26, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025. [^3]: "As big tech circles, UK government struggles to reap promised AI benefits". Computerworld. Published March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025. [^4]: "UK AI plans risk delay due to outdated public sector IT". Digital Watch Observatory. Published March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025. [^5]: "AI must be used ‘consistently, accurately and effectively’". The Telegraph and Argus. Published March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025. [^6]: "The Register". "British govt wants to mainline AI, but its arteries are clogged with legacy tech". Published March 26, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
Keywords: UK government, AI, public sector, legacy systems, digital skills, PAC report, technology upgrades, public trust.