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Written question asked by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Government Departments: Artificial Intelligence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to HCWS1249, how many AI-enabled tools are currently in live use across central government; which policy areas are included in the AI Exemplars Programme; what level of human oversight applies to AI-assisted decision-making; and how compliance with the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard is enforced.

Answer

Government departments are deploying a growing number of AI‑enabled tools, but there is no single mandated reporting mechanism that centrally tallies every operational tool. Work through the AI Opportunities Action Plan is improving visibility and consistent reporting across departments.

The projects in the PM’s AI Exemplars span a wide range of policy areas including health and care, justice and probation, education, planning and local government, and migration and borders. All AI projects across Government are safeguarded by access to DSIT’s suite of responsible AI guidance, tools and expertise which enable rapid innovation whilst ensuring a transparent, trustworthy and responsible approach. The AI Playbook for Government for example provides departments and public sector organisations with accessible technical guidance on the responsible use of AI.

The ATRS is mandatory for all government departments, and for ALBs which deliver public or frontline services, or directly interact with the public. Although it is a policy mandate rather than a legislative requirement, it is enforced through inclusion in processes such the DDaT Spend Controls; meaning that when a budget is requested for tools that fall within the scope of the ATRS, the team in question must commit to publishing an ATRS record before receiving funds.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
109123
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Government departments Artificial intelligence
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk