Big change: Your Universal Credit account is getting an AI co-pilot. It’s called “Penny.” Penny will send you push notifications like: “Your fridge is running low. Have you applied for the Healthy Start scheme?” Creepy? Yes. Helpful? Also yes.
The DWP claims Penny reduces “friction.” That’s the fun word they use for “not having to fill out 14 forms.” Fun fact: Penny was trained on 1,000 hours of British comedy. So if you’re sad about your budget, Penny will crack a joke. Sample line: “I see you spent £3.50 on biscuits. Priorities, mate.”
The Weirdest Tech Bit: Voice-Tracking for Rent
Here’s where it gets wild. To prove you’re paying rent, you now have to say a secret phrase into your phone once a month. “My landlord is a lovely human.” If AI detects sarcasm, you get a follow-up call. This is real. They call it “Sentiment Verification.”
