Surrey County Council’s resources and performance select committee has recommended a draft AI policy that would bar councillors and officers from using online consumer tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT for council business. The policy is expected to go to the council’s cabinet for discussion and final approval. It requires staff to use approved software for council work; Gemini and ChatGPT are named as examples of internet-accessed tools that would not be permitted.

The draft says users should use Microsoft Copilot Chat, Copilot 365 or other tools authorised by Surrey County Council for general business, citing data-security concerns. The council says approved tools have been risk-assessed and have existing safeguards and oversight. Guidance for members and officers already existed, but this would be the authority’s first formal AI policy. It follows an October 2025 motion calling for a policy in response to growing use of the technology.

Permitted examples include routine administrative work such as summarising reports, scheduling meetings, summarising public consultation responses and improving workflow efficiency. AI-generated meeting minutes may be used if clearly labelled as AI-assisted. The policy also bars using AI to make decisions affecting people without human oversight, generate false or misleading information, discriminate on protected characteristics, breach data protection or unlawfully access sensitive information.

Breaches would be treated as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary action for employees or contractual consequences for agency workers and contractors. The committee recommended sharing the policy with the future West and East Surrey council, which is due to take over responsibility in April 2027. It also recommended stronger training provisions and consideration of AI’s environmental impact. If adopted, the policy would be reviewed annually or earlier if needed, including to align with possible national laws or regulations. The October 2025 motion by Councillor Jonathan Essex of the Green Party called for transparency about AI use and awareness of its energy and environmental impact.

Surrey County Council’s resources and performance select committee has recommended a draft AI policy that would bar councillors and officers from using online consumer tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT for council business. The policy is expected to go to the council’s cabinet for discussion and final approval. It requires staff to use approved software for council work; Gemini and ChatGPT are named as examples of internet-accessed tools that would not be permitted.

The draft says users should use Microsoft Copilot Chat, Copilot 365 or other tools authorised by Surrey County Council for general business, citing data-security concerns. The council says approved tools have been risk-assessed and have existing safeguards and oversight. Guidance for members and officers already existed, but this would be the authority’s first formal AI policy. It follows an October 2025 motion calling for a policy in response to growing use of the technology.

Permitted examples include routine administrative work such as summarising reports, scheduling meetings, summarising public consultation responses and improving workflow efficiency. AI-generated meeting minutes may be used if clearly labelled as AI-assisted. The policy also bars using AI to make decisions affecting people without human oversight, generate false or misleading information, discriminate on protected characteristics, breach data protection or unlawfully access sensitive information.

Breaches would be treated as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary action for employees or contractual consequences for agency workers and contractors. The committee recommended sharing the policy with the future West and East Surrey council, which is due to take over responsibility in April 2027. It also recommended stronger training provisions and consideration of AI’s environmental impact. If adopted, the policy would be reviewed annually or earlier if needed, including to align with possible national laws or regulations. The October 2025 motion by Councillor Jonathan Essex of the Green Party called for transparency about AI use and awareness of its energy and environmental impact.