Prime Highlights:
- Barnsley is rebranded as Britain’s first “tech town,” with AI being applied across schools, hospitals, GPs, and local businesses to improve services and skills.
- Major US tech companies, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and Adobe, are collaborating to support AI adoption, offering training and pilot projects to benefit residents and businesses.
Key Facts:
- Barnsley, a town of 250,000 people in South Yorkshire, has been using AI in adult social care, children’s services, and even bin lorries scanning for potholes.
- The initiative includes free AI and digital training for residents, AI tools in hospitals for triage and check-ins, and trials in schools and Barnsley College to enhance learning outcomes.
Background:
Barnsley has been unveiled as the UK’s first officially designated “tech town” as part of the government’s wider effort to embed artificial intelligence into public services and local economies. The announcement was made by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, who described the South Yorkshire town as a model for how AI can improve everyday life across the country.
Under the new initiative, global technology companies including Microsoft, Google, Cisco and Adobe will work with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to support the use of AI in schools, hospitals, GP services and local businesses.
Barnsley, home to around 250,000 people, was selected due to its early adoption of AI within council services. The local authority has already been using AI-powered tools in adult social care and children’s services, while technology fitted to refuse vehicles has been used to identify road damage such as potholes. Major employers in the area, including delivery firm Evri, have also been testing advanced automation, including robotic delivery trials.
As part of the “tech town” status, residents will be offered free AI and digital training, businesses will receive support to adopt new technologies, and local healthcare providers will trial AI tools for patient check-ins, triage and outpatient care. AI will also be introduced in schools and at Barnsley College to help improve student outcomes and reduce pressure on teachers.
Council leader Sir Stephen Houghton said the initiative represents a rare opportunity for economic renewal following the decline of the coal industry. He stressed that the council would not be paying the technology firms involved, adding that several are working on a pro bono basis.
The move got mixed reactions. Some councillors welcomed the investment but said concerns about data, jobs, and other effects need attention. Residents also mentioned problems like bad roads and irregular bin collections. Ministers said working with big tech companies helps growth while keeping protections in place. Lessons from Barnsley will guide similar projects across the UK.
