Improving Access to Public Services 2025-02-12
2025-02-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the complexity and cost of accessing UK address data, which is crucial for delivering public services effectively.
Given the importance of postal addresses to public service delivery and economic growth, will the Minister commit to reviewing the terms under which UK address data is made available to support growth?
Following the privatisation of Royal Mail in 2014, the postcode address file—the definitive list of UK postal addresses—became a privately owned data asset. However, we have committed to creating a national data library, which will use data in a radically new way for the benefit of the country and public sector users. The Data (Use and Access) Bill will also be a great step forward for the use of data in both public and private sectors.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to review the terms was not explicitly stated, instead focusing on future actions without addressing current issues directly.
Future Actions
New Commitments
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about potential collaborations with Elon Musk and the US Department of Government Efficiency to harness AI for improving service delivery and efficiency.
What discussions has he and his Department had with the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk in the United States about how we can harness the power of artificial intelligence to deliver better services, scrutinise government spending and datasets, and eliminate waste and inefficiency?
Our Government have brought in the Regulatory Innovation Office, which is now up and running and piloting four areas to get innovation through the regulatory landscape without delay. We have also introduced the gov.uk app, digital wallet, and digital driving licence. A suite of productivity services are already being deployed in the public sector.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about discussions with Elon Musk and the US Department was not addressed; instead, emphasis on UK Government initiatives was given.
Discussing Unrelated Government Actions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the Government's decision not to sign the Paris AI summit declaration, which aimed at ensuring that AI is open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy.
What was the reason for the Government’s failure to sign the Paris AI summit declaration, given concerns about progress on global governance and national security?
We signed this week the joint coalition for sustainable AI, which is launching this summer; we joined an initial group of countries and multilateral organisations on collaborative network of AI observatories on work; we co-sealed a statement on cyber-security with France that launched this week; and we signed a statement on AI and gender as part of global partnership. A lot was achieved this week, but the national interest is always our priority.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific reasons behind not signing the overall agreement were not fully addressed.
Highlighting Achievements Without Addressing Refusal To Sign
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expresses concern about the difficulty of accessing GP appointments, particularly the need to call early in the morning.
What progress is being made in allowing patients to book GP appointments online so that they are not forced to wait on the phone every morning?
That issue is part of the legacy from a failed Tory Government. However, the Data (Use and Access) Bill will force different parts of the NHS to communicate with each other using interoperable data in patients' interests.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific progress on online booking systems was not addressed; instead, criticism of previous government was highlighted.
Criticizing Past Governments
Response accuracy