18
Accepted
To ensure transparency, government bodies are required to disclose the use of algorithms, AI and...
Conclusion
To ensure transparency, government bodies are required to disclose the use of algorithms, AI and machine learning through the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) hub.52 As at February 2026 the hub, which requires records of any such items used in decision making, recorded 110 being used in central government. Of these records, 11 mention ‘fraud’.53 None of the items the NAO report listed as good practice examples were recorded in the hub. DSIT reported that departments find the process challenging as they do not want to provide information that might help fraudsters, and it provides guidance on this subject.54 DSIT acknowledged that the ATRS hub was not a complete record, but told us that it was confident it had recorded the majority of cases.55
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.
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