Written question WQ97710
- Asked by
- Gareth DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What guidance does the Welsh Government provide to local authorities regarding the use of AI in assisting planning applications?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The AI Plan for Wales was published on 18 November and sets out Welsh Government’s vision to harness the transformative power of AI to unlock inclusive economic growth, enhance public services in both English and Welsh, and equip people in Wales with the skills to thrive in our fast-changing world. The Plan is being led and co-ordinated by the Welsh Government’s Office for AI.
Also on AI in public services, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning has established a Strategic AI Advisory Group which is a non-statutory expert panel of independent members set up to provide advice to the Welsh Government in relation to the responsible adoption, implementation, and use of artificial intelligence in devolved public services across Wales. It comprises representatives from the private and public sectors as well as academia.
We are also currently working with local government colleagues and other stakeholders to establish a baseline of digital skills and standards for planning. This will be used to inform future collaborative work, including in the field of AI.