Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he plans to publish details of the (a) nature and (b) operation of the machine learning algorithms used in trials to detect fraud in claims for Universal Credit advances.

The DWP’s Integrated Risk and Intelligence Service uses data and analytics to identify claims that may warrant closer inspection (or may need additional consideration), assisting in the prevention and detection of fraud and error. It is right that we keep up with fraud in today’s digital age, so that we can prevent, detect and deter those who would try to exploit the benefit system and more importantly, improve our support for genuine claimants.

However, we currently have no plans to publish details of either the (a) nature or (b) operation of the machine learning algorithms used in trials to detect fraud in claims for Universal Credit advances. Similarly, we also have no plans to publish the results of trials using machine learning algorithms to detect fraud in claims for Universal Credit advances. It is not in the public interest to publish, as it contains information that fraudulent actors could use to defraud the benefit system and impact the public purse adversely.

We have conducted an equalities assessment of trials using machine learning algorithms to detect fraud in claims for Universal Credit advances.

The department has robust processes to ensure ethical use and impact of data is considered, which includes Equality Impact Assessments for large-scale transformative initiatives that involve personal data, aligned with data-ethics frameworks, codes of practice, and working principles for analytical communities within the department that work with personal data.

The DWP’s Personal Information Charter (PIC) ensures that its customers are aware of the DWP’s use of Artificial Intelligence.

Importantly, it should be noted that we do not use algorithms to make decisions regarding fraudulent claims. These are always made by humans.

The Information Commissioner’s Office have indicated publicly that they are broadly supportive of the current use of AI within the welfare benefit system, based on sampling they have undertaken.