REDDITCH Borough Council is currently exploring how chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) could help deliver local services after securing an £80,000 partnership fund from the Government.
The town has partnered with 13 other councils, including Bromsgrove District Council, to explore how they can use technology to improve customer service and efficiency.
Council chiefs will be looking at improving their understanding of technology following a successful bid for the Local Digital Fund.
The fund from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is to help local authorities explore and build common solutions to shared problems.
Coun Tom Baker-Price (Con, Headless Cross and Oakenshaw), Portfolio Holder for Corporate Management, said: “We’re pleased to be playing our part with national partners studying how the latest technology may be able to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and economy of the council’s customer services.
“Many residents will be familiar with chatbots and AI from online shopping to their smartphones, where they can ask questions anytime, anywhere for an instant response and possible resolution.
“This project is part of the council’s ambitious digital innovation drive to improve services and reduce costs for our residents, and demonstrates Redditch Borough Council is at the forefront of digital innovation in local government.”
