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Councillor Mogford asked: Dear Leader, Note I am asking this question, with some revision, to yourself as it was rejected previously when asked directly to the Cabinet Member It is apparent that AI general purpose tools are being used more and more by councillors and officers in the course of their duties; it is even being encouraged with the council widely offering Co-pilot training for example. I note that AI tools are also used to produce council minutes more efficiently and effectively! Indeed, you as leader have previously stated and I quote: “The local authority believes its efficiency and productivity can be improved using AI tools, leading to better public services. “We shouldn’t be afraid of new technology – by embracing it, we can make Newport a smarter, more innovative city for everyone,” and “We want our workforce to be empowered and flexible and deliver services that meet the changing needs of our residents.” Do you find it acceptable therefore that one of your cabinet members publicly criticised a Member of an NCC opposition councillor for apparently, (and I must stress apparently!) using AI tools, in the course of his council work? Can you confirm that the cabinet member’s expressed views on the use of AI, as stressed at full council, do not represent the views of the Labour Administration’s views. Will go so far as to say you still encourage members to take advantage, with caution, of the general purpose AI tools available. Councillor Batrouni responded: Newport City Council supports the use of AI and automation as a technology to augment human capabilities. With this in mind the Council has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Policy to encourage innovation and explore the potential of AI and automation to improve productivity, efficiency and service delivery. This promotes responsible AI use, to mitigate risks related to bias, accuracy, privacy, and data security. Members will be aware of the policy which aligns with the authority's strategic goals and public service values. Currently Microsoft 365 Copilot is our approved AI technology for users and training for members supports that appropriate and ethical use. These aims and principles provide the framework for the use of AI and automation. Specific guidance can be provided as required. The key point, in terms of using AI, is that it should augment a human response, not solely be AI without any human oversight or revision. It would be unacceptable, if true, for an opposition (or any group) to develop a proposal solely generated by AI without any human oversight or revision.
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