Coventry City Council has entered into a contract with the US-based data technology firm Palantir, worth £500,000 annually. This agreement is notable as it marks the first partnership between a UK local authority and Palantir, a company that provides technology to the Israel Defense Forces and has been involved in various public sector contracts in the UK. The council’s chief executive, Julie Nugent, stated that the aim of this collaboration is to enhance internal data integration and improve service delivery, particularly in children’s services and support for children with special educational needs.
This move follows a pilot project where Palantir’s AI was utilized for case-note transcription and summarizing social workers’ records. Current applications also include screening for household support funds. Some council members have expressed reservations about the ethical implications of this partnership, given Palantir’s associations with military and surveillance operations. Independent councillor Grace Lewis has called for the cancellation of the contract and for the funds to be redirected to local community initiatives.
The National Education Union has raised concerns regarding data privacy and the ethical procurement of AI technologies from Palantir. They questioned both the ethical considerations and risk assessments that informed the council’s decision to contract with the firm. Nugent responded to these concerns by asserting that the council undertook a thorough due diligence process prior to the agreement, in alignment with procurement policies.
Palantir has claimed that its technology can significantly reduce administrative burdens on social workers and improve support for vulnerable populations. The Coventry City Council emphasized its commitment to evaluating various AI solutions while prioritizing data protection and compliance. The contract was granted following standard procurement procedures, ensuring it met security and compliance requirements.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/30/coventry-city-council-signs-ai-deal-contract-palantir-technologies