FOI2026/00133: AI Training Programme
Case reference FOI2026/00133
Received 18 February 2026
Published 28 April 2026
Request
Request Received: 18 February 2026
I would like to make a freedom of information request about the costs of the AI training program that has been announced in the news today, specifically this announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/free-ai-training-for-all-as-government-and-industry-programme-expands-to-provide-10-million-workers-with-key-ai-skills-by-2030
I understand that the cost to end users will for the most part be zero. I would like to know the cost to the taxpayer.
Please could you tell me how much the government has spent on setting up this scheme, and what the budget is for annual running costs.
I note that the scheme is delivered in partnership with tech companies such as Microsoft and Google. If they have provided contributions to the program at less than a fair market rate, then please tell me what those contributions were, how much they actually charged for them, how much a fair market rate would have been, and what they have been given or promised in return for delivering their services below a market rate.
Please could you also tell me what cost-effectiveness analysis, if any, was done regarding the likely benefits of these costs, and what the results of that cost-effectiveness analysis was.
Response
Response Sent: 19 March 2026
Full details of this response is provided in the attached document.
Documents
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