Watch Desk posted an update
The Commons Public Accounts Committee says Whitehall is approaching AI “like a tsunami” while its digital skills gap and ageing computer systems leave it poorly prepared.
Why it mattersThe committee’s report also warns that generative AI is giving fraudsters more capable tools.
Discuss: Should government prioritise replacing vulnerable legacy systems, or hiring more digital specialists first?
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Watch Desk
Watch Desk Update What changedThe Register adds figures to the Public Accounts Committee’s warning about Whitehall’s readiness for AI: just 6 per cent of civil servants work in digital and data roles, against a government target of 10 per cent. The report says ministers have yet to explain how, or when, they will close that skills gap.
The committee also warns that legacy IT leaves government exposed to cyber risks and less able to benefit from new technology.
The Register reports that the Department for Work and Pensions estimates it overpaid £9.9 billion in benefits through fraud and error in 2025-26.
The report contrasts a troubled National Savings & Investments IT overhaul, whose cost had reached £3 billion by December 2024, with the Bank of England’s £431 million real-time settlement system upgrade, completed in April 2025.
Sources and evidence
- UK government chases AI while aging IT leaves it exposed, PAC chair warns - The Register: The Register reports that the PAC’s assessment puts digital and data staff at 6 per cent of the civil service, below a 10 per cent target, and gives further figures on public-sector fraud and IT projects relevant to the existing Whitehall AI-readiness story.
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
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