Data, trust and accountability:
Tackling fraud in the UK public sector
Research Report
Fraud, waste and error (FWE) are costing the UK public sector dearly - leaders estimate 19% of budgets are lost, equating to tens of billions of pounds each year. Beyond the financial hit, 96% say FWE has damaged public trust, making fraud prevention a top priority.
The report reveals that while AI and generative AI are already boosting productivity in tackling FWE, adoption in the UK lags behind global peers. Only 40% of public bodies currently use AI, yet nearly all expect to within two years. Case studies show how AI can accelerate identity checks, improve taxpayer compliance, and free up staff for complex tasks.
But technology alone isn’t enough. Stronger collaboration, better data foundations, and trustworthy governance are essential. The report distils its findings into five principles and a five-step AI lifecycle - a roadmap for turning innovation into real impact.
Download the full report to see the data, strategies, and case studies in detail.