TL;DR
Artificial intelligence has led to a sharp rise in bureaucratic paperwork in Britain, with complaint volumes surging across multiple public sectors since late 2022. Civil servants report AI-generated content impacting their work, prompting regulatory guidance.
Since November 2022, the volume of bureaucratic paperwork in Britain has surged across multiple public service channels, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This development, confirmed by recent data, indicates that AI has made processing citizen interactions significantly more frequent, affecting government operations and workload.
Data from Sky News shows that complaint volumes to water companies, local authorities, GP practices, the Department for Work and Pensions, and other agencies have increased between 23% and 144% since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. For example, complaints to water companies grew by 144%, while local authority complaints increased by 78%.
Analysis of recent Freedom of Information (FOI) requests suggests that a large majority are AI-generated; 89% of a sample from 2026 was flagged as fully AI-written by detection software, compared to 0% from a 2019 sample. Civil servants report that 58% believe AI-generated content from the public significantly impacts their work, describing it as overwhelming and sometimes exhausting.
Regulators, including the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, have acknowledged the trend, clarifying that AI-written FOI requests remain valid and that authorities can request clarification if requests are unclear or badly formed. The trend is not unique to Britain, with similar increases observed in the US and other jurisdictions.
PUBLIC SERVICES · BRITAIN · DATA THROUGH OCTOBER 2026
5 Ways AI Is Reshaping Bureaucratic Paperwork In Britain
Since ChatGPT launched in late 2022, public complaints and requests have risen across UK services. AI helps people write and send them faster, adding pressure to already busy administrative teams.
Water company complaints
+144%
Reported increase since late 2022
Local authority complaints
+78%
Reported increase since late 2022
FOI sample flagged
89%
2026 sample flagged as fully AI-written
Civil service survey
58%
Say AI content significantly affects their work
01 / FIVE WAYS THE WORKLOAD IS CHANGING
More messages, arriving faster
The rise touches several parts of public administration. AI can help people make a case, find the right channel and produce polished correspondence, while officials still need to assess each submission.
01 · COMPLAINTS
Higher volumes across services
Complaints to water companies, local authorities, GP practices and public agencies have risen since November 2022.
02 · FOI REQUESTS
More requests to assess
AI can help users draft Freedom of Information requests, increasing correspondence that authorities must review.
03 · CLAIMS
Entitlements made easier to pursue
Researchers say many claims are legitimate. AI can make it easier to explain and submit them at scale.
04 · STAFF WORKLOAD
More reading and triage
Officials report that AI-generated content significantly affects their work, adding to the effort needed to process correspondence.
05 · POLICY & PRACTICE
Guidance must catch up
Regulators are clarifying how to handle AI-written requests while keeping access to public information open.
02 / REPORTED COMPLAINT GROWTH
A sharp rise across public channels
Sky News reports increases ranging from 23% to 144% since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022. The figures show changing volumes; they do not establish that AI alone caused each increase.
03 / WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
AI detection is a signal, not a verdict
A recent analysis found a striking difference between two small samples. Detection software can be imperfect, so the result should be read as an indicator rather than a definitive count of AI-written requests.
2019 SAMPLE
0% flagged
None of the sampled FOI requests from 2019 were identified as fully AI-written by the detection software.
2026 SAMPLE
89% flagged
Most requests in a sample from 2026 were flagged as fully AI-written. The sample was limited, and detector accuracy is debated.
04 / HOW THE PRESSURE BUILDS
From easier drafting to heavier workloads
AI lowers the effort needed to prepare a message. Each submission still needs to be handled through the relevant public service process.
AI tools spread
Writing support becomes widely available.
Drafting gets easier
People can prepare complaints, claims and FOI requests faster.
Submissions rise
More correspondence reaches public bodies.
Teams triage
Staff review, route and respond to each case.
Capacity is tested
Backlogs and response times may come under pressure.
05 / THE RESPONSE
Valid requests still need clear handling
In May 2026, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office clarified that AI-written FOI requests remain valid. Authorities can ask for clarification when a request is unclear or badly formed. The wider policy response is still developing.
ACCESS
Keep requests valid
Using AI to write a request does not remove a person’s right to seek information.
CLARITY
Ask when meaning is unclear
Public authorities may seek clarification if they cannot understand what is being requested.
CAPACITY
Adapt workflows
Agencies may need better triage and processing methods as volumes change.
VOICES FROM THE REPORTING
Legitimate needs, real strain
“Most cases of increased complaints are people claiming entitlement for something they are legitimately entitled to, amplified by AI.”
Chris Schmitz · Researcher
WHAT REMAINS UNCERTAIN
The next year will show whether systems adapt
The long-term effect is not yet clear. Complaint volumes, agency responses, detector reliability and future regulation will shape whether this becomes a lasting workload increase or stabilizes as services adjust.
Are all new requests AI-generated?
No. The 89% figure came from a small sample and detection tools are not definitive. Many complaints and requests reflect genuine needs.
Could public service efficiency suffer?
Higher volumes can strain staff and resources, potentially slowing responses unless services adapt their processes.
Will growth continue indefinitely?
That is uncertain. Technology, policy and public behavior will influence whether volumes keep rising or settle.
Is this only happening in Britain?
No. Similar increases have been observed in the US and other jurisdictions, suggesting a broader administrative shift.
Impacts of AI-Driven Bureaucratic Growth
This surge in paperwork affects government efficiency, resource allocation, and citizen engagement. While many complaints are legitimate, the increase challenges authorities’ capacity to process requests promptly and accurately. The rise also raises questions about the future of bureaucratic workflows, the role of AI in administrative tasks, and potential regulatory responses to manage the workload.
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Pre-2022 Bureaucratic Stability and AI Adoption
For over a decade before late 2022, the volume of public complaints and FOI requests in Britain remained relatively stable. The launch of ChatGPT and similar AI tools marked a turning point, with a sharp increase in digital interactions. Researchers like Chris Schmitz have documented similar patterns across multiple jurisdictions, indicating a broader global trend of AI amplifying bureaucratic activity.
Government agencies and watchdogs have begun to adapt, with the ICO issuing guidance on AI-generated requests in May 2026. Civil service surveys reveal that more than half of officials feel AI content significantly affects their workload, highlighting the systemic impact of this technological shift.
“The pattern of flat lines then a sharp rise since late 2022 is consistent across almost every channel where citizens contact the government.”
— Rowland Manthorpe, Sky News technology correspondent
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Unclear Long-Term Effects and Regulatory Responses
It remains uncertain how sustained this growth will be and whether government agencies will implement measures to curb or better manage AI-driven paperwork. The accuracy of AI detection tools is also debated, and future policy responses are still evolving, with regulators balancing efficiency and oversight.
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Monitoring and Managing Future Bureaucratic Growth
Authorities are expected to refine regulations around AI-generated requests and complaints, potentially imposing limits or requiring verification processes. Further research will clarify whether AI will continue to amplify bureaucratic activity or if new policies can stabilize the workload. Observers will watch for changes in complaint volumes and government responses over the next year.
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Key Questions
How exactly has AI increased bureaucratic paperwork in Britain?
AI tools like ChatGPT have made it easier and faster for the public to submit complaints, FOI requests, and claims, leading to a sharp rise in volume across multiple government channels since late 2022.
Are all the increased requests generated by AI?
Not all, but recent analysis suggests a significant portion—up to 89% in a small sample—are AI-produced, though detection tools are not definitive. Many requests are genuine, but the volume has increased notably.
What is the government doing about this rise?
The UK’s ICO issued guidance in May 2026 stating that AI-written FOI requests are valid and that authorities can ask for clarification. Policymakers are considering further measures to manage workload growth.
Could this trend affect government efficiency?
Yes, the increased volume strains resources and may slow response times, potentially reducing overall efficiency unless managed with new policies or technological solutions.
Will this growth continue indefinitely?
It is uncertain. Future developments depend on technological, regulatory, and societal responses. Authorities may implement measures to control the trend or it may stabilize as systems adapt.
Source: Thorsten Meyer AI
