PAC chair warns UK chases AI while aging IT leaves it exposed

The UK Parliament's Public Accounts Committee criticized the government for pushing AI ambitions while failing to replace aging IT systems. Only 6% of civil servants work in digital and data roles against a 10% target, and fraud and error cost taxpayers £55–81 billion a year.

• 6% of civil servants in digital roles vs 10% target
• Fraud and error cost £55–81 billion annually
• NS&I IT overhaul ballooned to £3 billion from £1.7 billion
• DWP overpaid £9.9 billion in benefits in 2025-26