The AI system called ‘Humphrey’ could help cut the benefits bill by billions
The Government has unveiled plans to utilise an Artificial Intelligence (AI) data system, dubbed “Humphrey”, in a bid to help the sick return to work and slash billions from the benefits bill. Named after the fictional Whitehall official Sir Humphrey Appleby from the BBC’s Yes, Minister, Humphrey is one of several AI systems set to be deployed across government departments to expedite processes by sharing information on UK citizens.
A new team will be assigned the task of exploring ways to use technology to streamline public services, with a focus on those for individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities. The government announcement read: “The government has announced a new plan to leverage technology and AI tools like “Humphrey” to streamline public services, eliminate delays through improved data sharing, and reduce costs, including consultant spending. Data sharing across the public sector will be tackled in bid to stamp out nonsensical delays and save taxpayers billions.”
In addition, it was revealed that a suite of AI tools, collectively referred to as ‘Humphrey’, will be made available to civil servants in a move to modernise tech and deliver superior public services, setting the nation on track for a decade of national renewal.
Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary at the DWP, expressed her belief that AI would enhance the operations of Jobcentres and the DWP, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to reintegrate people with disabilities, including mental health issues, back into the workforce.
The ballooning benefits bill is a concern. “Outdated technology is holding us back. Sluggish manual processes mean people don’t get the help they need quickly enough,” she said.
“That’s why we want to use the latest AI technologies to bring Jobcentres into the 21st Century, giving our brilliant staff the tools they need to offer more personalised services to jobseekers. But this is just one example of how AI can make our work more effective. We are committed to going further to make our services faster, fairer, and more accessible for the people who rely on us every day.”
The Government has stated that its employment reforms will provide Jobcentre staff with more flexibility to offer personalised support, with £55m being allocated towards bringing services online. Work coaches are being equipped with AI tools to respond quicker to inquiries from benefit claimants.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle is also expected to reveal plans for digital driving licences, accessed via an app, which will serve as ID cards. The Government wants departments to share more data and for public services to be joined up so people do not have to tell dozens of organisations the same thing.
Mr Kyle said: “Sluggish technology has hampered our public services for too long, and it’s costing us all a fortune in time and money, not to mention the headaches and stresses we’re left with after being put on hold or forced to take a trip to fill out a form. My department will put AI to work, speeding up our ability to deliver our Plan for Change, improve lives and drive growth.
“We will use technology to bear down hard to the nonsensical approach the public sector takes to sharing information and working together to help the people it serves. We will also end delays businesses face when they are applying for licences or permits when they just want to get on with the task in hand – growth. This is just the start.”
The Government has said it will “take forward” all 50 recommendations made by tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford, who was commissioned by Kyle in July to come up with a plan to identify AI opportunities. One, called Consult, aims to speed up policy decision-making by crunching thousands of responses to consultations within hours and presenting them as interactive dashboards for policymakers and experts. Consultants and analysts who do this at the moment can take months to compile responses and bill the taxpayer around £100,000 per consultation.
