Decision

To approve Monmouthshire County Council’s participation in the three-year SRS partnership AI programme, based on the preferred delivery route outlined in the report.

That Cabinet approves the Council’s share of the investment, funded by a one-off contribution from earmarked revenue reserves (specifically the Invest to Redesign Reserve), as set out in the report and summarised as follows:

a)     A combined three-year contribution arising from the AI programme and Data Modernisation Phase 1 of £596,654, profiled as £462,654 in Year 1, £66,000 in Year 2 and £68,000 in Year 3;

b)     A contribution of £20,500 in year 1 for Microsoft Fabric, with the cost for subsequent years incorporated into the MTFP from 2027/28.

c)     A contribution of £34,000 in year 1 for transactional AI usage costs for the Digital Front Door, with the cost for subsequent years incorporated into the MTFP from 2027/28.

d)     An initial budget provision of £200,000 to support services to implement AI and Data projects to the extent that existing capacity and capability does not allow.

The total one-off contribution from earmarked reserves will be £851,154.

To approve Monmouthshire County Council’s participation in Phase 1 of the SRS Data Modernisation Programme, including delivery of the Single View of Child and completion of the key components of the unified data platform.

To endorse a phased, gated approach to implementation, including formal stage gates for AI use cases and investment progression; and a pause-and-review point for the Data Modernisation Programme before any Phase 2 proposals are brought forward.

To endorse the principle that AI and predictive analytics will be used to support professional judgement and service improvement, and not to replace human accountability for decision-making.

To delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Officer Resources, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, to finalise implementation arrangements and release funding in line with the approved profile, subject to the governance arrangements and decision gateways set out in the report.