Use of AI

AI tools can be helpful, but they can also introduce errors or create overly complex correspondence that increase the burden on public bodies and cost to the taxpayer.

When using AI to help draft correspondence, please make sure the final wording has been checked and reflects your actual needs.

Before you submit an initial or secondary correspondence, please check the following.

You are only asking for the information or outcome you are genuinely looking for – AI tools sometimes generate broad or excessive wording that goes beyond the information or outcome you want or need.

The correspondence is clear, concise and focused – Short, straightforward correspondence is easier for us to process and usually lead to quicker, more accurate responses.

There are no obvious factual inaccuracies – AI can misrepresent legislation or misstate what organisations do. Please review the text of your correspondence carefully and don’t assume AI is right. If it has referred to something you don’t understand, check what it is.

The tone is appropriate – AI-generated content can sometimes sound abrupt, or otherwise inappropriate. Please check the tone before sending.

Why does this matter?

We are seeing an increase in initial and secondary correspondence that appears to have been drafted by AI. This can require additional clarification because of inaccuracies or unnecessary complexity. Clear and focused requests help us respond more quickly and accurately.