The department first deployed an algorithm to help detect possible fraud in claims made for Universal Credit advance payments four years ago and continues to field questions about its operation

Having previously faced criticism for failing to release transparency information on the operation of algorithmic tools used to support decision-making and operations, the Department for Work and Pensions is working to “finalise the publication” of key records, a minister has claimed.

In 2021 the department first deployed an algorithm to help detect possible fraud in claims made for Universal Credit advance payments. To date – and despite warnings from expert lawyers about the possibility for the tool to embed bias – the DWP has declined to release details of how the algorithm works.

In late 2022, the department indicated to PublicTechnology that it believed revealing information about the workings of an anti-fraud tool could compromise its effectiveness.

Since then, however, it has become mandatory for all central government departments to publish on GOV.UK records of all algorithms used in decision-making – with only “limited but necessary exemptions, [such as] for national security reasons”.

In light of this new compulsory regime, independent MP Igbal Mohamed asked the DWP when it “plans to publish algorithmic transparency records for the Universal Credit Advances model and other decision-making algorithms used by [the] department”.

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In response, Andrew Western, minister for transformation at the DWP, suggested that such details could be released soon.

“We are working with colleagues in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to finalise the publication of algorithmic transparency records for existing tools as well as tools being considered for future deployment in the DWP,” he said.

Records are published using the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) created by government digital experts in 2021. The standard provides a framework for releasing operational data of algorithms, including 40 individual pieces of information, covering the purpose of the automated tool, the data being collected and processed, which organisations can access data, and which public body and named senior manager is ultimately accountable for the system.

ATRS archives show that the DWP arm’s-length body the Money and Pensions Service – created in 2019 to provide advice on financial wellbeing – has published three algorithmic records in recent months, since the mandatory regime took effect.

The DWP itself has also released one record, providing details of an algorithmic tool used to match claims for Employment and Support Allowance against medical conditions and disabilities that confer eligibility for the benefit.