TEIGNBRIDGE District Council (TDC) does not have an official strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) nor does it plan to develop one, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.

And while TDC has not undertaken a specific AI risk assessment, it is working on defining an AI impact assessment, the FOI shows.

Furthermore, the council says that the need for use of AI is recognised.

At present, the council is piloting the use of Microsoft CoPilot and consultation tool Future Fox.

The Mid-Devon Advertiser asked ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI, what it thought about TDC’s lack of an official strategy.

‘The lack of an official strategy for AI by Teignbridge District Council could reflect a broader challenge that local governments face in keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies’ ChatGPT said.

‘On one hand, AI has the potential to transform many aspects of public services, including healthcare, transportation, and local governance.

‘Without a strategy, however, there might be missed opportunities to harness AI for improving efficiency, supporting decision-making, or enhancing citizen engagement.

‘It's possible that the council hasn't prioritized AI yet due to concerns over resource allocation, a lack of expertise, or simply because they don't yet see it as an urgent need.

‘However, given how AI is increasingly integrated into various sectors—such as automation, data analysis, and smart city initiatives—there might be a case for pushing forward a strategy to ensure that the council remains adaptable to future developments.

‘If the council is lagging behind, it might risk falling behind in technological innovation or not being able to properly govern or regulate AI-related initiatives at a local level.

‘On the other hand, a strategic approach could provide a clear framework for using AI responsibly and ensuring it aligns with the district’s long-term goals’ ChatGPT added.