17
Accepted
The PSFA told us that it is important to use data to fight fraud, and...
Conclusion
The PSFA told us that it is important to use data to fight fraud, and to maintain public trust that government bodies are holding their data in accordance with Parliament’s intentions.49 The C&AG told us that, while transparency in government operations was a positive thing, when dealing with counter-fraud measures it is important to not provide so much information that it helps fraudsters to circumvent controls.50 The PSFA outlined that its current approach is to disclose what data analytics are being used to fight fraud and to let the public know how their data will be used, but not to make public the various checks it performs on the data.51
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented and describes its ongoing mandatory rollout of the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS). DSIT is continuing to publish records, track compliance through its roadmap, and commissions departments twice a year to map new tools, also ensuring guidance on sensitive tools.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 5.2 Ensuring departmental compliance is an ongoing effort for DSIT. DSIT updated the Committee as part of the Treasury Minute process at the end of 2025, and the Permanent Secretary gave oral evidence on this as part of the session on the use of data analytics to tackle fraud and error in January 2026. Below is a further update on progress with implementing the mandatory rollout of the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS). The rollout will continue to be tracked through the government's roadmap for modern digital government. 5.3 DSIT is continuing to implement the mandatory rollout of the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) in central government. Over 130 records have been published on GOV.UK to date. DSIT published records for all currently identified in-scope algorithmic tools (as of March 2025) in government departments (not including ALBs) by the end of 2025, reaching the commitment set in the Roadmap for Modern Digital Government. ATRS compliance is an ongoing process, with new tools being developed and deployed requiring ATRS records on a rolling basis. To reflect this, DSIT commissions departments twice a year to map new in-scope tools and supports them in completing records for publication. 5.4 The ATRS team work closely with relevant government bodies to ensure that the scope and exemptions policy provides the appropriate amount of guidance on sensitive tools such as those used in fraud detection and prevention. Updates and further guidance will be provided where needed.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
75th Report - Government use of data analytics on error and fraud
27 Mar 2026
HC 891
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
27 Mar 2026