Using machine learning to improve local services for residents

In my previous blog post, I outlined the challenges faced by local authorities across the country to consistently deliver resident services amidst increasingly stringent budgetary cuts. In this post, I will propose some suggestions. Whilst it certainly will not undo the financial tight spot authorities find themselves in, I believe it will help alleviate funding pressures and, over time, bring costs down to a manageable level. Firstly, it is imperative to understand not just current resident needs, but future needs. Secondly, authorities collect data in abundance, and it is time to start using this data smartly. The introduction of analytics, machine learning and AI will equip authorities to find previously undetected insight from their data to improve decision making, in particular on which services to focus their attention.