In 2023-24, there was between £55bn and £81bn of fraud and error against public funds. Using data analytics, incorrect payments can be identified, or prevented from being made. Government departments can use analytics to help ensure that the right amount of money goes to the right people at the right time.
The National Audit Office (NAO) in 2025 looked at how government can overcome the barriers to using more data analytics techniques, be they innovative or well established, to save taxpayer money that would otherwise be lost to fraud and error. The PAC warned in 2023 that large gaps remained in the Government’s understanding of its exposure to fraud and corruption. It has also scrutinised the Department for Work and Pensions’ use of advanced data analytics to tackle fraud.
Informed the NAO’s report, the PAC will hear from senior officials on how government as a whole is seeking to improve its use of data analytics to make fraud and error savings.
Please look at the requirements for written evidence submissions and note that the Committee cannot accept material as evidence that is published elsewhere.
Please note that the Committee is unable to consider or assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem you are having, you may wish to read the information on Parliament’s website about who you can contact with different issues.