Trust and Tech: AI’s future with local government – Five key takeaways from the Future Local Lab panel

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how councils work, from automating back-office functions to improving frontline service delivery. But as the technology evolves at pace, local government faces a complex challenge: how to innovate responsibly while maintaining public trust.

This Future Local Lab session, held in partnership with Smart Cities World, brought together experts from across local government, academia, and technology to explore the opportunities and ethical dilemmas AI presents. Co-hosted by Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, and Luke Antonio, Senior Editor at Smart Cities World, the panel featured Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham; Professor Jennifer Schooling, Director of the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction and Professor of Digital Innovation and Smart Places at Anglia Ruskin University; and Meredith Hodgeman, Head of Strategy and Engagement for the Tech Policy Design Institute. Together, they explored how councils can ensure AI supports operational efficiency, democratic accountability, and community trust.

Five key takeaways

1. AI is already reshaping local government operations
   Councils are increasingly embedding AI into service delivery from predictive analytics for social care to intelligent traffic management and chatbots that improve resident engagement. The conversation highlighted how local authorities are using data to streamline operations and anticipate community needs. As Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz noted, Newham’s work on digital inclusion and citizen-focused design shows that “AI can’t just be about automation – it must serve the public good and empower residents.”
2. Innovation must be balanced with accountability
   While AI’s potential is vast, panellists stressed that innovation cannot come at the expense of public confidence. Local government must ensure transparency in how algorithms are used and make it clear to residents when AI systems are making or informing decisions. Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz emphasised that ethical leadership in this space means “ensuring residents’ voices are heard when technology shapes their lives.” The message was clear: responsible innovation builds trust, whereas secrecy erodes it.
3. Ethical frameworks and policy design are essential for public trust
   Meredith Hodgeman underscored that technology governance must be built on shared ethical principles that align innovation with democratic values. Councils should adopt clear frameworks around fairness, accountability, and explainability. Hodgeman argued that good tech policy is “as much about culture and governance as it is about code,” urging local authorities to design AI systems that uphold transparency and equity.
4. Collaboration drives innovation and resilience
   AI implementation doesn’t happen in isolation. Local governments benefit most when they collaborate with universities, tech companies, and each other to share learning and resources. Professor Jennifer Schooling described how partnerships between academia and councils can help develop evidence-based approaches to AI adoption. She highlighted how academic research can support local government by “turning curiosity into capability,” bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
5. Digital inclusion and workforce readiness are non-negotiable
   As AI becomes more embedded, councils must ensure that no one is left behind. Digital inclusion, ensuring all residents have access to and can benefit from technology, was framed as a social justice issue. Rokhsana Fiaz reminded the audience that trust in AI depends on “who gets to benefit and who risks being excluded.” Meanwhile, staff at all levels will need training to understand and manage AI systems effectively. Building local digital capacity is key to ensuring that councils remain in control of the technology they deploy.