An investigation published on 27 October 2026 has raised questions about who was consulted as the UK Government developed its AI Growth Zones policy, after researchers found that businesses dominated recorded ministerial stakeholder meetings about data centres.
Anti-corruption organisation Spotlight on Corruption said 84% of ministerial stakeholder meetings on data centres between July 2024 and June 2026 involved businesses or private-sector trade associations. The figure describes the composition of recorded stakeholder meetings, not the proportion of all government policy decisions influenced by business.
What did the investigation find?
According to the report, ministers met only two community groups during the period examined, both after decisions to designate their areas as AI Growth Zones. It found no meetings between environmental non-governmental organisations and ministers, permanent secretaries or directors general, and no meetings between community groups and permanent secretaries or directors general.
The organisation also identified 38 moves by ministers and senior officials into AI industry roles between July 2024 and September 2026. Such moves do not, by themselves, demonstrate wrongdoing or improper influence.
Questions over consultation
Spotlight on Corruption says there was no national-level public consultation specifically on the AI Growth Zones strategy and no independent consultation of residents in areas selected for the zones. It argues that communities should have more opportunity to influence decisions affecting local infrastructure.
The report calls for a pause on new AI Growth Zones and data centres until stronger environmental requirements, transparency measures and engagement arrangements are established. These are the organisation’s recommendations, not measures announced by ministers.
What is the Government’s position?
The Government’s published AI Growth Zones policy seeks to accelerate investment in computing infrastructure, improve access to power and support economic growth and jobs. Its November 2025 policy paper also describes planning processes and potential local authority business-rate benefits.
In a parliamentary answer published in July 2026, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said applicants must set out water-supply plans and obtain feasibility confirmation from relevant suppliers. It also pointed to environmental assessments for developments proceeding through the nationally significant infrastructure planning process.
What remains unresolved?
The meeting figures and consultation findings are attributed to Spotlight on Corruption’s analysis of government records. They raise questions about access and participation, but do not establish corruption, unlawful lobbying or that any specific planning decision was improperly made. Individual developments may also undergo separate local planning consultations.
Sources
Sources: Spotlight on Corruption report, 27 October 2026; Government AI Growth Zones policy; Parliamentary answer on water and energy, 6 July 2026.