The UK government is preparing to trial agentic AI systems that could handle routine public service interactions on behalf of citizens - from booking GP appointments and updating driving licences to providing personalised careers guidance.
Aiming to automate interactions with public services, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will launch the country’s first National AI Tender, calling on leading AI labs to work with in-house government teams to prototype the technology. The ambition is to deliver optional AI “helpers” across selected services from 2027.
Initial trials will focus on employment and skills. Officials believe AI agents could guide young people into work by identifying suitable apprenticeships, suggesting further education pathways and offering tailored career advice. Agentic AI differs from conventional chatbots by not only generating responses but also completing tasks. Users can input a prompt and the system will carry out multi-step processes, such as filling in application forms or scheduling appointments.
If successful, the technology could be extended to major life events. One example is moving home, where a government-built AI agent could update official records in one go - changing addresses on driving licences, GP registrations and electoral rolls simultaneously.
Technology secretary Peter Kyle said the initiative could “entirely rethink and reshape how public services help people through crucial life moments”. He added: “At each step, we’ll only progress if the technology can be used in a safe and reliable way - but if it works, we could be the first country in the world to use AI agents at scale.”
The trials will adopt a “scan, pilot, scale” method recommended in the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. The initial scan phase has already involved user research and early prototyping. The upcoming tender marks the start of the pilot phase, where private sector developers will join government AI experts to prove the concept over six to twelve months.
If prototypes demonstrate reliability and value, the programme will move towards scaling the technology for national use from late 2027. The government has pledged to maintain ownership of the end product while drawing on the expertise of AI specialists from frontier labs.