Use of AI and Automated Decision-Making in Council Housing Management
I am writing to request information held by you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, in relation to the use of artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making systems, and automated tools in the management of your council housing stock. I am conducting academic research into algorithmic systems governance in social housing and public accountability frameworks in Wales. Your council's use of AI or automated systems in housing management is relevant to this research, particularly where such systems affect decisions about allocation, tenancy management, repairs, anti-social behaviour response, or tenant risk assessment. Please provide all documents, policies, and information held by your authority relating to the following matters, covering the period from 1 January 2020 to the present: 1. Details of any artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making systems, or automated tools used or procured by the council in connection with housing management and the purpose or goal of the use of the tools. 2. Any Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) or Privacy Impact Assessment conducted in relation to any such system. 3. Any Equality Impact Assessment or similar assessment of the effect of such systems on protected characteristics or vulnerable groups. 4. Statistics of complaints, appeals, or requests from tenants relating to decisions made in whole or in part by automated systems. 5. Any records relating to the council's assessment of algorithmic bias, discriminatory effects, or fairness testing of such systems. 6. Any submissions made by the council under the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) or equivalent transparency standard relating to housing management systems.