Tax authorities broadened use of controversial risk model for Benefits | Inland

Using the so-called risk classification model, the Tax and Customs Administration determined which applications for rent or childcare allowance had to be processed manually. Among other things, nationality, family composition and the level of income were looked at. The AP previously ruled that this constituted discrimination. The model has not been used since July 2020.

Now it turns out that the risk scores produced by the model were also used by the team in the Benefits department that assessed signals of abuse and determined whether they needed further investigation by special fraud teams. In December, the House was informed that the model had not been used for that purpose.

“The fact that the risk score of the model has been used more widely is worrisome and that is why the AP was also informed about this,” writes De Vries. It commissions an external investigation into exactly how widely the risk scores have been used, with whom they have all been shared and what consequences this has had for citizens. The State Secretary cannot rule out the possibility that people “have experienced an increased risk of disproportionate disadvantage”.

Further research should also show whether compensation should be offered. For example, it is examined whether the possible victims have already invoked compensation in connection with the allowances affair, or whether they are on the controversial blacklist of alleged fraudsters that the Tax and Customs Administration kept for years.

—