Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 38
38
DWP commits to further assurance on fairness of machine learning techniques for benefits.
Recommendation
We stressed that we would like to be satisfied that DWP’s use of machine learning is fair and consistent. DWP highlighted its main safeguard, which is that it would never stop benefit payments to a customer due to an AI tool. It said that what AI helped it to do was to direct the work of its staff to investigate more effectively. DWP also committed to work with us and the National Audit Office to find a way to provide the necessary further assurance as to the fairness of its machine learning techniques. It reiterated this commitment in subsequent correspondence.74 74 Qq 52-54; Letter from DWP to the Public Accounts Committee dated 23 December 2024 18
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 6 May 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗