UK Government's AI Ambitions Hampered by Legacy IT Systems, MPs Warn

UK Government's AI Adoption Faces Significant Hurdles

The UK government's ambitious plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for increased efficiency and economic growth are facing substantial challenges, according to a report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The cross-party group of MPs has warned that outdated technology, poor data quality, and a lack of digital skills are major obstacles to the successful implementation of AI across the public sector 1

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Legacy Systems: A Major Roadblock

A significant concern highlighted in the report is the prevalence of legacy IT systems within the government. As of 2024, an estimated 28% of central government systems were classified as legacy technology, defined as "end-of-life product[s], out of support from the supplier, [and] impossible to update" 1

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. This outdated infrastructure not only hampers AI adoption but also poses cybersecurity risks 4

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The PAC found that 21 out of 72 high-risk legacy systems have not received the promised remediation funding, despite the government's 2022-25 Roadmap for Digital and Data 1

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. This lack of investment in updating critical systems could significantly impede the government's AI initiatives.

Data Quality and Sharing Challenges

Another major hurdle identified is the quality and accessibility of data needed to train AI models. More than 60% of government bodies reported that access to good quality data would be a barrier to implementing AI 2

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. Much of the necessary data is locked away in legacy systems, making it difficult to utilize for AI applications 2

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Skills Shortage and Recruitment Difficulties

The report also highlights a persistent digital skills shortage in the public sector. Approximately 70% of government bodies reported difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff with skills in the rapidly evolving field of AI 2

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Government's Response and Future Plans

Despite these challenges, the UK government remains committed to its AI ambitions. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is leading the charge with a package of AI tools nicknamed "Humphrey" 1

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. The government estimates that publicly funded services could be missing out on up to £45 billion in productivity savings due to outdated IT systems 1

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In response to the PAC's findings, a government spokesperson stated that they have set out a "bold plan to overhaul the use of tech and AI across the public sector," including doubling the number of tech experts in Whitehall and making reforms to replace legacy IT systems more quickly 3

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Recommendations and Way Forward

The PAC has made several recommendations to address these issues:

1. Set a six-month deadline for DSIT to outline funding plans for replacing high-risk legacy technology 3

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2. Improve public confidence in AI use through increased transparency and standards 3

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3. Develop coherent systems to learn from various AI pilots across government 3

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4. Bring digital professionals to senior management levels in every department and agency 1

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Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the PAC, emphasized the need for a "transformation of thinking in government at senior levels" to successfully implement AI across the public sector 1

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