At the time of the NAO report in March 2024 AI was not widely used across government, with just over a third (37%) of 87 government bodies surveyed reporting they had deployed AI. In contrast, over two–thirds (70%) were piloting or planning AI use.41 Examples of pilot activity included use of AI to analyse digital images to identify and classify objects, use of natural language processing to summarise or draft text, and use of AI to assess trends and patterns and monitor live data.42 DSIT also told us about a suite of tools developed by the i.AI to support civil servants with tasks including minute taking and analysis of consultation responses.43 Commenting more broadly on digital and technical capability, DSIT praised the Met Office and Ordnance Survey.44 It emphasised that local government was “an area where we are particularly keen to move early [ … ] because there is a huge amount of potential there to improve citizens’ lives”.45