Decision details
Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
The purpose of the report is to consider a
strategy for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across
council services that protects residents and service users whilst
enabling them to access the benefits that AI can offer. The report
also recommends the adoption of a policy to guide use of AI for
employees and councillors.
Decision:
The purpose of this item was to consider a strategy for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across council services that protects residents and service users whilst enabling them to access the benefits that AI can offer. The report also recommended the adoption of a policy to guide use of AI for employees and councillors.
Councillor Mike McKeown, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Digital, introduced the report on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy and AI Adoption Strategy. Members were advised that the Policy and Strategy established a clear governance framework for the responsible adoption and use of AI across the Council and its key delivery partners, supporting service improvement, efficiency and digital transformation while ensuring transparency, accountability, data protection and human oversight. It was noted that the Strategy set out objectives, an action plan and ethical principles, including the establishment of an AI Oversight Board to manage risk, scrutinise proposals and drive appropriate adoption, while the accompanying Policy defined the rules, boundaries and mandatory requirements for AI use. The approach was intended to enable the Council to adopt AI safely and confidently, support officers and improve outcomes for residents and businesses, while strengthening organisational resilience and preparing for potential Local Government Reorganisation.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike McKeown and seconded by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson.
Cabinet RESOLVED to:
1. Approve the AI Usage Policy at Annex A
2. Approve the AI Adoption Strategy and Roadmap at Annex B.
Voting record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Report author: John Chorlton
Publication date: 17/04/2026
Date of decision: 16/04/2026
Decided at meeting: 16/04/2026 - Cabinet
Effective from: 25/04/2026
Accompanying Documents:
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