{"id":5074,"date":"2026-08-20T07:37:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T07:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/ai-will-not-solve-council-cash-crisis-say-experts\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T07:37:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T07:37:11","slug":"ai-will-not-solve-council-cash-crisis-say-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/ai-will-not-solve-council-cash-crisis-say-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"AI will not solve council cash crisis, say experts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>AI will not solve council cash crisis, say experts<\/p>\n<div data-block=\"headline\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Andy Burnham sits at a table in a care home, talking face-to-face with a resident. The prime minister is in a dark suit and glasses and leans forward while speaking, and the other, with long white hair, sits opposite. Several glasses of water and cups are on the table, with framed artwork displayed on the wall behind them.\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bv5XxJ.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/740e\/live\/615bb8c0-8f51-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 976w\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-tzgxt7-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"metadata\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"metadata\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\"><time data-testid=\"timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-08-20T06:41:52.710Z\">41 minutes ago<\/time><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\"><b class=\"ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">Councils across the UK are increasingly turning towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) as they try to fill a looming \u00a34bn financial black hole.<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But local government experts say it is not the &#8220;silver bullet&#8221; to save a system from &#8220;the brink of collapse&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">There are also ethical concerns around the increasing use of AI in assessing the level of care vulnerable people need.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A government spokesman said it encouraged safe and responsible use of the technology where it could reduce workloads.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A study by the BBC Shared Data Unit found all but a small handful of the UK&#8217;s local authorities will reduce the services they offer this financial year, despite recent reforms to the way they are funded.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The 218 upper-tier councils, which include borough, county, metropolitan and unitary authorities, will make a total of \u00a33.2bn in cuts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Planned measures include reducing the frequency of bin collections, closing heritage attractions, ending bus routes and &#8211; in the case of one council &#8211; completely removing sheltered housing support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Fees and charges for parking permits and green waste bins will be hiked at dozens of councils, while almost every authority will raise council tax by the maximum 5%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"Unrelenting-pressure\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">&#8216;Unrelenting pressure&#8217;<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Jonathan Carr West, chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), which advises on policy across the world, said the BBC study showed the sector was &#8220;still struggling to keep up with astronomic rates of increase in demand and cost for those key statutory services like adult social care and children&#8217;s services&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;The sector as a whole continues to become more and more on the brink of collapse,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A spokesman for the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England and Wales, said the cost and demand pressures were &#8220;unrelenting&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;In just three years, councils will need around 25 per cent more money simply to stand still,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Without action, the services people rely on every day, from social care to safe streets, will be eroded.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Though the government has increased the amount of grant funding councils receive from the Treasury since the pandemic, a study by independent thinktank the Institute for Government found it was still down on pre-2010 levels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Even if this year&#8217;s savings are achieved, councils predict they will need to find a further \u00a33.8bn by the end of the 2027-28 financial year to balance their books. A record 37 councils will also receive forms of exceptional financial support this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It means many are trying to lower the cost of providing care to the elderly and vulnerable, whether by re-tendering contracts with cheaper care companies, closing care homes or by re-assessing those already in care to see if their package of support can be reduced.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-lv3mzj-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A care worker in a blue uniform helps a seated person shave in a bathroom. The two are positioned beside a window, with a sink, mirror and toiletries visible in the room.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kohP7u.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/b917\/live\/20569a00-8f53-11f1-99e6-95543b07d23d.jpg 976w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1151.5169811320754\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-tzgxt7-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">This year, dozens of councils have pledged to use AI to drive savings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Among them are Medway Council chiefs who say they will use AI to &#8220;draft care plans&#8221; and automate invoice processing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Several councils will reduce staffing in their call centres &#8211; which enable people to query council tax bills, order new bins or arrange a care assessment among other things &#8211; and bring in chatbots to &#8220;triage&#8221; initial queries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">West Sussex County Council hopes its plans to replace nine call handlers with an AI contact centre could save \u00a3300,000 a year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But campaigners for the elderly say older people are already struggling to interact with automated chatbots where they have been introduced.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Similar measures have proved controversial in other areas. Derby&#8217;s AI chatbot Darcie received several complaints for struggling to understand the local accent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"Clients-need-a-human-voice\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">&#8216;Clients need a human voice&#8217;<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Dennis Reed, director of the Silver Voices campaign group for elderly people, said: &#8220;People seeking social care support are likely to be confused, perhaps in pain, and not used to negotiating the merry-go-round of contact centres using AI at first contact.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;What potential social care clients need at first contact is a sympathetic human voice, not a robotic answering machine.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Denise Rowley, 71, previously taught IT among other subjects to older people at a college in Leeds. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">After suffering a stroke nearly a decade ago, she has relied on Wakefield Council&#8217;s trips and falls service Carelink to help her if she gets into difficulty.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But with the Department for Work and Pensions expanding its AI-assisted call centre and local councils following suit, she says older people are increasingly feeling shut out by new technology when contacting services they need.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;Older people do struggle with technology,&#8221; Rowley said. &#8220;It&#8217;s bad enough having to use computers every time you need something, let alone having to talk to an AI.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;And the thing is, a lot of these AI call centres are based on a system that didn&#8217;t work in the first place.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Carr-West, with greying red hair looks into the camera. He is pictured as a head and shoulders shot, wearing a blue suit and a sky blue shirt. In the background is a brick wall. \" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ptnvkL.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/1922\/live\/2fba0550-8f4d-11f1-9818-6fa9a4d75fb0.jpg 976w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-tzgxt7-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\">LGIU<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Councils and care providers are already using AI to write case notes, predict falls and analyse care records.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But there are serious concerns around the use of such tools to draft care assessments, where social workers record a person&#8217;s needs and decide what council-funded support they are entitled to.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;This is something our members are really worried about,&#8221; said Andrew Reece, strategic lead for the British Association of Social Workers. &#8220;This is stepping into the area of making decisions and we don&#8217;t think that&#8217;s appropriate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">He said it was different to tools that assisted social workers &#8211; for example, recording a conversation to help them make good notes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The use of AI to create assessments would be &#8220;stepping over the boundary between assisting a social worker and taking over from them&#8221;, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Derby City Council said its AI-drafted care assessments were always reviewed by a social worker.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But a report by the Ada Lovelace Institute found AI tools made frequent errors in care assessments, some of which found their way into finalised reports.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Reece was also concerned to see AI being trumpeted as a means to save money.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;The system is under a huge amount of pressure at the moment and most social workers are not able to complete their work within their normal hours,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;The savings will come from shedding social work jobs, which will just put more pressure on the system.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"subheadline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"subheadline\">\n<h2 id=\"Marginal-savings\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"ssrcss-1sc9t00-Heading e10rt3ze0\"><span role=\"text\">&#8216;Marginal savings&#8217;<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">In some cases, the expected savings are relatively small.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Liverpool&#8217;s use of AI tools to improve efficiency in children&#8217;s social care will save about \u00a3150,000 by the end of the 2027-28 financial year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">In proportion, its total budget gap during the same time is more than \u00a329m.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;There is no silver bullet,&#8221; said Carr-West. &#8220;We have seen some savings being made from AI, but they are, to be frank, pretty marginal compared to the scale of the problem.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Councils across England said they were increasingly looking to technology and AI to help manage mounting financial pressures, as demand for social care, homelessness support and special educational needs services continues to rise. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Caerphilly Council said its transformation programme included the use of technology and AI to make services more efficient, while Essex County Council said it was exploring further savings through &#8220;technology and digitisation&#8221; and redesigning services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"links\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"ssrcss-1gccci3-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<ul role=\"list\" spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-94r6ik-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<li class=\"ssrcss-qzx51b-LinkItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"ssrcss-1gccci3-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-7zrqh4-LinkHeadline e3eyuya4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Council&#8217;s AI helpers only resolve half of cases <\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1ulytiq-LinkIconContainer e3eyuya3\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" class=\"ssrcss-xi5oyi-StyledIcon e161cein1\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M21.6 14.3 5.5 31h6.4l14.6-15L11.9 1H5.5l16.1 16.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/div>\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">21 May<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ssrcss-qzx51b-LinkItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"ssrcss-1gccci3-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-7zrqh4-LinkHeadline e3eyuya4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">AI plan unveiled to cut council tenant rent debts<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1ulytiq-LinkIconContainer e3eyuya3\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" class=\"ssrcss-xi5oyi-StyledIcon e161cein1\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M21.6 14.3 5.5 31h6.4l14.6-15L11.9 1H5.5l16.1 16.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/div>\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">13 May<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ssrcss-qzx51b-LinkItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div spacing=\"4\" class=\"ssrcss-1gccci3-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-7zrqh4-LinkHeadline e3eyuya4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">AI could flag issues with council homes sooner<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1ulytiq-LinkIconContainer e3eyuya3\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" class=\"ssrcss-xi5oyi-StyledIcon e161cein1\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M21.6 14.3 5.5 31h6.4l14.6-15L11.9 1H5.5l16.1 16.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/div>\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">22 June<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the government did not mandate how local authorities used AI, but encouraged its use where it could help &#8220;alleviate pressures and free up staff to help deliver better public services&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Many authorities said digital reform would help to balance future budgets, but warned technology alone would not solve wider funding pressures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Across the UK, council chiefs said budgets were being severely stretched by the spiraling cost of providing care, homelessness services and supporting looked after children as well as providing home to school transport.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Barnet Council has one of the largest budget gaps in the UK for its size and will need close to \u00a380m of government support this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Describing the council as a &#8220;tightly run ship&#8221;, a spokesperson said it had faced &#8220;the perfect storm&#8221; of a decade of reduced government funding and year-on-year rises in service costs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Six of the 10 councils set to make the most savings per head of population in 2026-27 are London boroughs, adding to fears town halls within the capital are being hit hardest by rising costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"flourish\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-147e9zi-FlourishWrapper eockrme0\">\n<div id=\"29875906\">\n<div data-component=\"include-html\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/29875906\/embed?auto=1\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\" style=\"width:100%;\" title=\"Interactive or visual content\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Carr-West said there had been hope Labour&#8217;s recent local government reforms would begin to improve the situation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It has introduced multi-year funding settlements, effectively telling councils how much they will get several years in advance rather than just the next year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It also made drastic changes to the formula used to allocate funds, with more money directed towards areas assessed as having higher levels of need and less ability to raise income locally through council tax.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;If we&#8217;re all marching towards a cliff edge, they&#8217;ve sort of slightly slowed down that progress, but they haven&#8217;t fundamentally changed its direction,&#8221; added Carr-West.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">In July, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to give all mayors of city regions in England a share of income tax revenue for the first time, as part of his drive to transfer power from Westminster to local leaders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The government is set to press ahead with plans to replace two-tier council areas with single councils responsible for all local services, in what ministers say will simplify local government.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The changes are also intended to save money by reducing duplication and cutting administrative costs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The MHCLG spokesman said: &#8220;We&#8217;re making \u00a378bn available to local authorities across the country this year through our fair funding settlement \u2013 and thanks to our changes, nine in 10 councils in England will receive funding that matches their relative need by the end of 2028-29.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-2st5ed-ListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\"><i class=\"ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2\">The Shared Data Unit makes data journalism available to news organisations across the media industry, as part of a partnership between the BBC and the News Media Association. Read more about the <\/i><i class=\"ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2\">Local News Partnerships<\/i><i class=\"ssrcss-xbdn93-ItalicText e5tfeyi2\"> here.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"topicList\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-tcr9z1-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"topic-list\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nj9heb-StyledTagContainer ed0g1kj1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1pfbb52-TopicListHeaderWrapper etw6iwl0\">\n<h2 type=\"normal\" class=\"ssrcss-89o2pv-Heading e10rt3ze0\">Related topics<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17ehax8-Cluster e1ihwmse1\">\n<ul role=\"list\" spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-w8zanw-ClusterItems e1ihwmse0\">\n<li>England<\/li>\n<li>Wales<\/li>\n<li>Scotland<\/li>\n<li>Northern Ireland<\/li>\n<li>Local government<\/li>\n<li>Artificial intelligence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"promoList\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-tcr9z1-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<h2 type=\"normal\" class=\"ssrcss-89o2pv-Heading e10rt3ze0\">More on this story<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"ssrcss-1ughxsy-List e880cno1\">\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1emzoi7-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Councils &#8216;losing out on cash&#8217; due to mayoral delays<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">10 August<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Andy Burnham and Donna Jones\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7WPusj.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/72a5\/live\/eae89e10-9248-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.png 976w\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1emzoi7-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Income tax devolution must &#8216;work for London&#8217;, says mayor<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">31 July<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1wog03t-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A seated Sir Sadiq Khan applauds Andy Burnham, who is standing at a podium in front of a red backdrop. \" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kAlev0.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/e703\/live\/026ce1f0-8cb7-11f1-b49b-bb9fc846a015.jpg 976w\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1439.26267281106\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1emzoi7-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Call for PM visit as rural funding labelled unfair<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">29 July<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1lwkr1h-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Prime Minister dressed in black suit with a tie talks to a crowd of people\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4aaDo0.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/c8d3\/live\/5ed8e6f0-8b4a-11f1-a7ab-8b30adf0800a.jpg 976w\" width=\"999\" height=\"562.4369999999999\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1emzoi7-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">MPs&#8217; anger over delayed council reorganisation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">17 July<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1re0zta-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Steve Reed in a dark overcoat, white shirt and red tie walks outside a government building, carrying a large red document folder under one arm. The background features stone walls, a doorway and black metal railings. The photograph is taken at street level with the person in sharp focus and the building softly blurred behind.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/l3DkqE.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/4404\/live\/3f3d76f0-80fd-11f1-b983-cbe246fcd5da.jpg 976w\" width=\"1248\" height=\"701.6267942583731\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Published at Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:41:52 +0000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AI will not solve council cash crisis, say experts Getty Images 41 minutes ago Councils across the UK are increasingly turning towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) as they try to fill a looming \u00a34bn financial black hole. But local government experts say it is not the &#8220;silver bullet&#8221; to save a system from &#8220;the brink of&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/ai-will-not-solve-council-cash-crisis-say-experts\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">AI will not solve council cash crisis, say experts<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5073,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5074","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uk-politics","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5074","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5074"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5074\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5074"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5074"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5074"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}