AI is front and centre for regional authorities and government bodies with launch of Growth Zones and Playbook

Following the January 2025 launch of its AI Opportunities Action Plan, the UK Government has now started the bidding process for AI Growth Zones (AIGZ) to speed up the development of AI "hot spots" across the UK. Authorities and industry are invited to submit expressions of interest, with AIGZs set to benefit from streamlined planning processes for AI infrastructure and data centre development and potentially other reliefs and support. Sites most likely to be selected will be in deindustrialised areas ready for redevelopment, especially those with sites with large existing power connections (with a current capacity of 500+ MW) or plans to increase energy capacity, and those close to suitable sites for major energy infrastructure such as nuclear reactors, solar stations, wind farms or battery storage. All of this is consistent with Government's wider planning reform agenda to achieve a faster, more certain and less costly planning system that increases investor confidence. So far, data centres have been supported in the December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework and the impending Planning & Infrastructure Bill is expected to make it easier for data centres to be treated as 'nationally significant infrastructure projects'. AIGZs complement these changes and the Government's drive to 'beat the blockers' but it's not yet clear how the various reforms will work together or facilitate the co-location of technologies envisaged. Of course, any streamlining will also need to ensure that sustainability concerns around energy demands are appropriately addressed.

At the same time, the Government has shown its commitment to drive public sector adoption of AI through its AI Playbook which it sees as a launchpad to transform public services and develop public trust in AI technology. The Playbook has drawn on input from numerous government departments, public bodies, industry and academia, and is based on 10 principles – building on the five set out in the 2023 White Paper – including the need for secure, lawful and ethical use of AI, particularly where data security is at stake. AI is seen as having the potential to transform service delivery in the public sector, accelerating delivery, streamlining working practices, and allowing quick and accurate analysis of vast data sets. The Playbook is designed so that AI can be put to work across all central government departments and public sector bodies, provided its use can be shown to add real value.

As well as offering guidance on what AI is, the Playbook sets out steps towards building AI solutions, from inception all the way through the procurement process. The 10 principles are supplemented with practical pointers on dealing with the skills gap; seeking specialist legal advice; putting relevant governance in place; and working with other teams and the private sector to spread best practice. The Playbook is clear about the limitations and risks of AI such as the potential for bias and its reliance on high quality data, and the need for human oversight. As AI continues to shape the future of public services, the Playbook provides common-sense insights to its responsible adoption.