The government’s goal to increase efficiency by integrating AI throughout its operations could be hindered by outdated technology, poor-quality data, and a shortage of skilled staff, according to a significant report by the cross-party Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The PAC report uncovered that more than 20 government IT systems, categorized as “legacy,” which means outdated and unsupported, have not yet received the necessary funding for upgrades.

Government research cited in the report indicated that nearly a third of central government IT systems were considered legacy in 2024.

Keir Starmer’s government has emphasized its plan to boost economic growth by promoting widespread adoption of AI within the public sector.

The plan, outlined in January, advocated for the rapid piloting of AI services, aiming to increase productivity and enhance public experiences with government services.

Starmer recently stated that AI should replace government officials where it can maintain the same quality standards, with plans to recruit 2,000 tech apprentices into the civil service.

However, the PAC report warns about a persistent lack of digital skills in the public sector, attributed partly to uncompetitive pay levels compared to the private sector.

The Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSI), leading AI implementation in government, has acknowledged these concerns in earlier reports, including the “State of Digital Government” and “Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government.”

The PAC report suggests several new recommendations, including a deadline for DSI to plan funding for replacing legacy technology and assessing the costs of inaction.

The committee also calls for measures to boost public trust in the transparency and standards of AI use within government and for a more coordinated approach to learn from AI pilots across the sector.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Conservative MP and chair of the PAC, commented on the potential for the government’s AI proposals but expressed concerns about the public sector’s readiness.

A government spokesperson acknowledged the report’s findings and highlighted existing plans to upgrade technology and AI within the public sector, including the recruitment of tech experts and reforms to legacy IT systems.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/26/government-ai-roll-outs-threatened-by-outdated-it-systems