New records published by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology shows councils across the UK are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to support local citizens.

The data reveals that AI is being used to identify when a pensioner has had a fall, to stop people from going into rent arrears, to map which houses need loft insulation, and to help citizens search for jobs in social care, among other use cases.

The London Borough of Sutton, for instance, is utilising AI-enabled fridge sensors and connected kettles to detect changes in the daily routines of vulnerable people which could indicate a decline in health and lead to a fall.

Helping people who would otherwise need additional care, the tech uses sensors to spot changes in behaviour, like missed meals, a skipped cup of tea, or whether a door has been left open for too long, before AI analysis is used to detect whether something might be wrong. An alert is then sent to close family members or carers so they can stop by to check on how they are and offer additional support if needed.

Details of the technology, which was developed by tech company The Access Group and Medequip Connect, have been released today alongside nine other public sector organisations setting out how they use AI and algorithmic tools.

The publication of these records follows technology secretary Peter Kyle setting out a blueprint for how his department aims to help the public sector use tech to transform public services, targeting £45 in potential productivity savings.

The plan will see a new team, housed in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), cut across barriers to join up public services, including those provided by local councils so people don’t have to tell dozens of organisations the same thing.

It’s been said that the team will first start by looking at services used by people with long-term health conditions across organisations like the NHS, the Department for Work and Pensions, local councils, and more.

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Speaking from a trip to see the tech-enabled care solution in Sutton, AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark said: “AI has immense potential to make our lives easier and improve public service.

“The technology we are together sharing with the public today includes shining examples of innovation that does everything from speeding up crucial applications for bigger bins, to helping people live independently.

“Being transparent with the detail of how we are putting AI to work in public services is crucial to our plans to use technology to improve public services, which is a key part of our Plan for Change.”