Money and Pensions Service: Budget Planner
The Budget Planner is a free online tool that helps users track and categorise their spending, provides a detailed breakdown of their finances, and offers personalised tips to improve their money management - taking just 5-10 minutes to complete.
Tier 1 Information
1 - Name
Budget Planner
2 - Description
How the algorithmic tool is used: The Budget Planner is a free online tool that helps users systematically track and manage their finances through:
-
Data Collection: Users input their financial information across 8 key categories:
- Income (including salary, benefits, pensions, and other income sources)
- Household bills
- Living costs
- Finance & Insurance
- Family & friends
- Travel
- Leisure
- Summary
- Analysis & Calculations:
- Breaks down finances by category
- Processes various payment frequencies (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly etc.)
- Calculates total income and expenditure
- Generates a comprehensive spending breakdown
- Output Generation:
- Provides a detailed budget summary
- Offers personalised financial tips
- Allows saving results for future reference
- Enables downloading as spreadsheet format
Why the algorithmic tool is being used: The Budget Planner serves several key purposes:
- Financial Management Support:
- Helps users track all their spending comprehensively
- Provides a structured way to record and monitor financial commitments
- Prevents overlooking any expenses
- Financial Education & Guidance:
- Offers personalised tips to help users optimise their money management
- Provides insight-driven recommended reading
- Educates users about different aspects of personal finance
- Financial Planning:
- Enables users to better prepare for unexpected expenses
- Helps users understand their spending patterns
- Assists in long-term financial planning including retirement preparation
- Accessibility & Convenience:
- Offers a free, user-friendly interface
- Takes only 5-10 minutes to complete
- Allows saving progress for later continuation
- Provides flexibility in recording different payment frequencies
The tool fundamentally aims to empower UK citizens to better understand and manage their finances, aligning with MaPS’ public service mission of improving financial wellbeing.
3 - Website URL
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner
4 - Contact email
Tier 2 - Owner and Responsibility
1.1 - Organisation or department
Money and Pensions Service
1.2 - Team
Technology and Change
1.3 - Senior responsible owner
Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO)
1.4 - External supplier involvement
No
2.1 - Detailed description
The Budget Planner tool’s detailed technical workflow operates as follows:
Data Collection Architecture:
Implements a multi-section data entry flow across 8 distinct categories Supports flexible frequency selection (daily to yearly) for each monetary input Allows three custom additional items per category for user-specific entries
Data Processing: - Standardises all monetary inputs to a common time period for calculation - Processes income entries post-tax and deductions - Validates Housing Benefit routing (direct to landlord vs. user-received) - Prevents double-counting of certain entries (e.g., dental insurance vs dental care costs) - Cross-references employer-provided benefits to avoid duplicate entries
Calculation Engine: - Computes category subtotals across all sections - Aggregates total income across all sources - Calculates expenditure breakdowns by category - Determines available discretionary income - Processes frequency conversions for consistent periodic comparisons
Output Generation: - Produces categorised spending breakdown - Creates budget summary with key metrics - Generates personalised financial recommendations based on input patterns - Enables data persistence through save functionality - Supports Excel export capability for offline analysis
System Integration: - Links to external resources (GOV.UK, MoneyHelper guides) - Maintains user session data for incomplete entries - Interfaces with previous version data migration - Provides recommended reading based on input analysis - Enables progress saving for multi-session completion
The tool employs input validation, data standardisation, and analysis algorithms to convert diverse financial inputs into actionable insights and recommendations for users.
2.2 - Scope
Purpose:
Digital tool for tracking personal finances Records all spending across multiple categories Provides financial breakdowns and personalised tips Creates user-specific budget summaries
Designed Scenarios:
- Personal Financial Planning
- Recording regular income and expenses
- Tracking household bills and living costs
- Managing family-related expenses
- Planning leisure and travel spending
- Financial Education
- Understanding spending patterns
- Learning budgeting basics
- Receiving personalised financial advice
- Accessing relevant educational resources
- Budget Monitoring
- Saving results for future reference
- Downloading data for offline analysis
- Tracking changes over time
- Planning for unexpected expenses
Not Designed For: 1. Business Financial Management - Not suitable for company accounting - Not designed for business expense tracking - Cannot handle complex business transactions
- Professional Financial Advice
- Not a replacement for professional advisors
- Does not provide regulated financial advice
- Cannot make investment recommendations
- Complex Financial Planning
- Not for detailed investment portfolio management
- Cannot handle complex tax calculations
- Not designed for estate planning
- Multi-User Management
- Individual user focus only
- Cannot manage shared household budgets
- No collaborative features
The tool is specifically designed as a personal financial management aid for individual UK residents, focusing on basic budgeting and financial education rather than complex financial planning or professional services.
2.3 - Benefit
Primary Benefits:
-
Financial Tracking & Organisation
- Comprehensive recording of all spending
- Categorised breakdown of finances
- Ability to save and revisit financial information
- personalisedFinancial Guidance
- Custom tips for money management
- Insight-driven reading recommendations
- Guidance on tax efficiency and savings
- Financial Planning Support
- Emergency preparedness recommendations
- Retirement planning insights
- Future financial goal setting
Expanded Justification: The tool addresses critical financial wellbeing needs by: - Providing free, accessible financial management support (5-10 minute completion time) - Offering structured guidance across all financial aspects (income, bills, investments, insurance) - Supporting informed financial decision-making through personalised recommendations - Enabling users to identify areas for financial improvement - Helping prevent financial oversights through comprehensive categorisation - Facilitating long-term financial planning through data-driven insights
The tool aligns with MaPS’ public service mission by democratising access to financial planning tools and supporting improved financial literacy and management across the UK population.
2.4 - Previous process
There was no previous process prior to this tool so below is a description of the Decision-Making Process Prior to Deployment: The budget planner is based on consumer needs and creates an impartial tool where users can get estimates about their budget based on their income and expenditures. The tool is regularly reviewed to meet user needs and to align to any market changes. The decision-making process was guided by our internal research, carried out across the debt, financial and pension space, an analysis of existing solutions, and an understanding of the evolving needs of UK citizens who are at working age, planning to retire or are retired.
Research That Informed Deployment of the Tool: Market Research and User Feedback: Market research as well as surveys were considered in shaping the development of the Budget Planner.
Analysis of Competitor Tools: A competitor analysis was conducted, reviewing budget planners from third sector and commercial market players.
Internal Expertise and Collaboration: The decision-making process was also informed by our internal SMEs, leveraging on their expertise in financial planning, the tool was designed to provide a balance between simplicity and accuracy. Collaboration with regulatory bodies is also established and maintained to ensure that the tool met legal requirements and best practices.
Technology and Digital Transformation Strategy: The decision to refine and iterate the tool has been based on organisations strategies to have impartial tool available for our users.
2.5 - Alternatives considered
Alternatives Considered: During the development and production of this tool user’s needs, market research as well as organisational strategy were considered.
Here are the key alternatives to MaPS Budget Planner in the UK market (based on the past and current landscape):
-
Money Dashboard (www.moneydashboard.com) Key differences:
- Automatically connects to bank accounts for real-time tracking
- More articulated categorisation of spending
- Provides budgeting forecasts
- Requires sharing bank login details
- Commercial product with premium features
- Emma App (emma-app.com)
Key differences:
- Mobile-first approach
- Subscription tracking
- personalised financial coaching
- Cryptocurrency tracking
- Paid premium features
- Less detailed manual input options
- Citizens Advice Budgeting Tool (www.citizensadvice.org.uk)
Key differences:
- Simpler interface
- Fewer input categories
- Focus on debt management
- Less detailed recommendations
- No save/export functionality
MaPS Budget Planner’s unique features: - Free and government-backed - No bank account linking required (privacy-focused) - Comprehensive input categories - Flexible payment frequency options - Educational content and recommendations - Excel export capability - Focus on long-term financial planning including pensions - Integration with broader MoneyHelper guidance
Tier 2 - Decision making Process
3.1 - Process integration
Here is an explanation of how the Budget Planner is integrated into the decision-making process and its influence:
Integration into Decision-Making Process:
-
Data Collection Structure: The tool is integrated through a systematic journey that collects financial information across multiple categories:
- Income (including wages, benefits, pensions)
- Household bills
- Living costs
- Finance & Insurance
- Family & friends
- Travel
- Leisure
-
User Journey Flow:
- Users input their financial data in structured sections
- Each section allows for customisation through “additional items” categories
- Users can save progress and return later
- The tool processes various payment frequencies (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly) for consistency
Influence on Decision-Making:
- Financial Analysis:
- Creates a comprehensive breakdown of finances by category
- Generates a summary total of income and expenditure
- Provides visibility of spending patterns across different areas
- Guidance Generation:
- Offers personalised tips based on the user’s financial situation
- Suggests ways to improve finances
- Provides insight-driven recommended reading materials
- Planning Support:
- Helps users identify areas for potential savings
- Assists in budgeting decisions through categorised spending analysis
- Supports long-term financial planning through pension and savings considerations
Wider Decision-Making Context:
- User Empowerment:
- The tool is part of a broader financial education and support framework
- Users maintain full control over their financial decisions
- The tool acts as an informative guide rather than a prescriptive solution
- Integration with Other Resources:
- Links to additional guides and information (e.g., Understanding your payslip)
- Connects to other relevant tools (e.g., Bill prioritiser)
- Provides access to broader financial education materials
- Flexibility in Application:
- Users can download their data as a spreadsheet for further analysis
- Results can be saved for future reference or consultation
- The tool allows for ongoing monitoring and adjustment of financial planning
- Support for Multiple Decision Points:
- Assists with immediate budgeting decisions
- Supports medium-term financial planning
- Aids long-term financial decisions (e.g., pension planning, long-term care planning)
The tool serves as a supportive framework for financial decision-making rather than making decisions for users. It influences decisions by providing structured information and personalised guidance, but the final decisions remain with the users. The tool is embedded within MoneyHelper’s broader financial guidance ecosystem, complementing other resources and tools available to users.
3.2 - Provided information
Here’s an analysis of the information provided by the Budget Planner algorithmic tool:
Output Information:
-
Financial Breakdown
- Comprehensive breakdown of spending across all major categories
- Detailed summary of income sources
- Analysis of household bills
- Living costs breakdown
- Finance and insurance expenditure
- Family and friends related expenses
- Travel costs
- Leisure spending
- Overall summary total
-
Personalised Financial Insights
- Customised tips for money management
- Suggestions for improving finances
- Ways to boost money preparation for unexpected events
- Tips for paying less tax
- Guidance on saving more effectively
- Advice on retirement planning
Presentation Format:
- Interactive Digital Interface
- Organised into clear sections for easy navigation
- Input fields for different types of income and expenses
- Dropdown menus for selecting payment frequencies (daily/weekly/monthly/yearly etc.)
- Clear categorisation of different financial aspects
- Export and Save Options
- Ability to save results for future reference or consultation
- Option to download as Excel spreadsheet
- Feature to start over if needed
- Capability to access saved budgets from previous versions
- Educational Content Integration
- Linked recommended reading based on user’s financial situation
- Specific guides such as: * Saving money on household bills * Building emergency savings * Maximising savings * Reviewing pension savings * Understanding pension growth and tax relief
- Time Investment
- Takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete
- Option to save progress and continue later
- Flexible input timing to accommodate user needs
The tool provides comprehensive financial information in an accessible, user-friendly format, allowing users to make informed decisions about their financial planning and management. The multiple presentation formats (interactive, downloadable, saveable) ensure users can access and utilise the information in ways that best suit their needs.
3.3 - Frequency and scale of usage
The Budget Planner tool is a commonly utilised resource, engaging numerous users on a daily basis. Over the course of the reporting period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, the tool recorded significant user activity. A total of 203k users initiated the tool, while 103k successfully completed the process, generating results. This represents a tool completion rate of 51%, indicating the proportion of users who fully navigated the tool and obtained calculated outcomes.
3.4 - Human decisions and review
Human Decisions in the Process:
-
Data Input Decisions:
- Users decide what financial information to input across all categories
- Users choose the appropriate frequency for each payment/income (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly etc.)
- Users can decide to add additional custom items in each category through “Your additional items” sections
- Progress Management:
- Users can decide to save their information and continue later
- Users can choose to start again if they want to redo their budget
- Users can decide to access saved budgets from previous versions of the tool
- Output Utilisation:
- Users decide how to use the budget summary
- Users can choose to download their budget as an Excel spreadsheet
- Users choose which recommended reading materials to explore based on their interests and needs
Human Review Options:
- Data Verification:
- Users are prompted to verify their income through payslips or bank statements
- Users are encouraged to check bank statements for accurate expense figures - Users can double-check entries to avoid duplications (e.g., dental insurance vs dental care costs)
- Financial Document Cross-Reference:
- Users can review against various documents: Payslips Bank statements Tax credit award notices Benefit award notices Insurance policy documents Pension statements Investment paperwork
- Iterative Review:
- Users can review and modify their entries at any time
- The tool allows for ongoing updates and adjustments
- Users can start over if they identify significant errors
- Output Review and Export:
- Users can review their budget summary before finalising
- Users can save results for further review or consultation
- Users can export to spreadsheet format for detailed analysis
The tool serves as a support mechanism rather than a decision-maker - all final financial decisions remain with the user, who maintains full control over the input data and how to use the resulting insights and recommendations.
There is no indication in the documentation of any automated decision-making that would require additional human oversight or review. The tool functions as a calculator and organiser of user-provided information rather than making autonomous decisions affecting users.
3.5 - Required training
Based on the provided documentation, I cannot definitively answer this question as the document does not contain any information about training requirements for deploying or using the Budget Planner tool. The document appears to be focused on describing the user journey, data collection process, and functionality of the tool rather than internal operational requirements or training needs.
The document primarily outlines:
The tool’s purpose and benefits The digital journey sections Data input fields and categories User guidance for filling in information Output and summary features
To properly document training requirements for ATRS compliance, MaPS would need to provide additional documentation covering:
- Training requirements for staff deploying the tool
- Training for customer service or support personnel
- Training for maintenance and technical staff
- Training for compliance and oversight personnel
- Any user training materials or requirements, if applicable
I recommend consulting with MaPS’ internal operational teams and technical documentation to gather this information, as it’s essential for complete ATRS compliance but is not covered in the provided Budget Planner journey document.
3.6 - Appeals and review
Mechanism for review or appeal (available to the public): The results are illustrative and not a final financial determination. If users believe the results are inaccurate, they are encouraged to seek regulated financial advice, especially when dealing with complex pension situations like large pension amounts or varied income sources.
For users who feel the tool is inaccurate or not functioning as expected, there are several ways to provide feedback or seek additional help: These feedback channels ensure that any issues with the tool can be promptly addressed while offering users the opportunity to consult a financial advisor if needed. Report Issues: If users encounter bugs, errors, or inaccuracies, they can report these issues using one of the following methods:
- Call the free helpline at 0800 011 3797 or use the webchat feature.
- Complete the feedback form available at MoneyHelper’s feedback page (e.g. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us/feedback)).
- Participate in the navigation survey, which is presented after 120 seconds of using the site.
- Contact staff directly through the contact page for a more detailed issue description (e.g. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us).).
If users feel the tool’s estimates are not suitable for their situation, they are encouraged to seek professional, regulated financial advice, particularly for more complex cases involving multiple income or cost sources.
Tier 2 - Tool Specification
4.1.1 - System architecture
System Architecture Overview: The Budget Planner is structured as a multi-step digital journey that processes user financial data through distinct functional modules:
Data Input Layer: Multiple input sections organised into 8 main categories Standardised input fields with £0 default values Flexible frequency selection system (daily to yearly) via dropdown menus Support for custom additional items in each category
Data Processing Layer: Currency handling and validation Frequency conversion calculations to normalise different payment periods Running totals calculation per category Summary aggregation across all sections
Storage & Session Management: Save and resume functionality Progress tracking across sections Temporary data storage for incomplete sessions
Output Generation: Interactive summary dashboard Category-based spending breakdown Export functionality to Excel spreadsheet format personalised recommendations engine
Integration Features: Links to external resources (GOV.UK, MoneyHelper guides) Cross-referencing with related financial tools and calculators Educational content delivery system
The tool appears to be web-based, accessible through the MoneyHelper website (tools.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/budget-planner/), with user interface elements designed for both data collection and information presentation. Note: This architectural overview is derived from the functional description provided in the documentation. The actual technical implementation details and system architecture might include additional components not mentioned in the provided document. Copy
4.1.2 - Phase
Production
4.1.3 - Maintenance
The Budget Planner tool undergoes the following maintenance and review processes on a yearly basis: Data Protection Reviews in terms of Data handling practices, privacy implications, and compliance with data protection requirements Technical Infrastructure Maintenance review: Platform: React-based implementation Integration Reviews: Regular monitoring of Gov Notify API integration for email functionality Content Updates: Financial Information: Regular reviews to ensure guidance aligns with current financial regulations Help Text: Updates to match latest guidelines and policies (e.g., links to GOV.UK resources) Categories and Fields: Periodic assessment of financial categories and input fields to ensure they remain relevant System Health Monitoring: Performance Tracking: Regular monitoring of tool availability and response times User Journey: Assessment of completion rates and user interaction patterns Error Tracking: Monitoring of any technical issues or calculation discrepancies
Code updates are stored into our private GitHub repository and applied on the production environment whilst release notes are taken.
4.1.4 - Models
The Budget Planner employs a rule-based model that follows a deterministic approach to financial planning and budget calculation. Here’s a breakdown of its model characteristics:
Model Type: Rule-based The tool uses a structured, deterministic calculation framework that processes financial inputs through predefined rules and calculations, rather than using machine learning or probabilistic approaches.
Key Model Components:
-
Input Processing Structure:
- Categorises financial data into 7 distinct domains (Income, Household Bills, Living Costs, Finance & Insurance, Family & Friends, Travel, and Leisure)
- Each category contains specific subcategories with defined input parameters
- Calculation Rules:
- Aggregates data within categories
- Performs summation across different expense types
- Applies predefined formulas for total budget calculation
- Conducts pattern analysis for spending behaviour
- Output Generation:
- Produces standardised financial calculations
- Creates categorical breakdowns
- Generates budget positions
- Offers recommendations based on predefined criteria
Model Limitations: - Deterministic nature - outputs are directly based on input values - Reliance on user-provided data accuracy - Non-predictive - provides current state analysis rather than future predictions - Cannot adapt or learn from user patterns
This rule-based approach ensures: - Consistency in calculations - Transparency in how results are derived - Predictability in output generation - Clear traceability between inputs and outputs
The model’s deterministic nature means it follows fixed rules for processing financial data, making it highly reliable for straightforward budget calculations while maintaining transparency in its operation.
Tier 2 - Model Specification
4.2.1 - Model name
Budget Planner (Rule-based model)
4.2.2 - Model version
Current version is 6.4.0
4.2.3 - Model task
Key model tasks performed:
Data Input of 8 major financial categories Processing of varied payment frequencies into standardised calculations Generation of spending breakdowns and financial summaries Provision of personalised financial tips and recommended reading materials Creation of exportable and saveable financial records
The end goal is to give users a clear picture of their financial situation and actionable insights for improving their money management.
4.2.4 - Model input
The Budget Planner collects financial data across multiple categories, with each input field allowing users to specify amounts in various time frequencies (per year, quarter, month, 4 weeks, 2 weeks, week, or day). The key input categories are:
-
Income inputs:
- Pay (after tax, self-employment, statutory payments)
- Benefits & Tax Credits (Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child benefits, etc.)
- Pensions (State, workplace, private, annuities)
- Other income (savings, investments, rent, maintenance, student loans)
- Household bills inputs:
- Mortgage & rent
- Property charges
- Home insurance
- Utilities
- Living costs inputs:
- Food & drink
- Work expenses
- Clothes & shoes
- Health & beauty
- Finance & Insurance inputs:
- Insurance premiums (life, health, critical illness)
- Banking charges
- Credit repayments
- Savings and investments
- Future planning costs
- Family & friends inputs:
- Children related expenses
- School costs
- Support for student children
- Pet expenses
- Donations
- Family loans
- Travel inputs:
- Car costs
- Public transport expenses
- Leisure inputs:
- Entertainment costs
- One-off expenses
- Holiday expenses
Each category also includes an option for “additional items” where users can input custom expenses not covered by the standard categories.
All monetary inputs must be in British Pounds (£) and users can save incomplete inputs to return and complete later.
4.2.5 - Model output
Based on the documentation, here is the specification of the Budget Planner’s model outputs:
The Budget Planner generates several key outputs:
-
Financial Breakdown
- A categorised summary of spending across all input sections (Income, Household bills, Living costs, Finance & insurance, Family & friends, Travel, and Leisure)
- A summary total of all financial data
- personalised Recommendations
- Tips for improving financial management
- Insight-driven recommended reading materials covering topics like:
- Saving money on household bills
- Building emergency savings
- Making the most of savings
- Reviewing pension savings
- Growing pension pots
- Exportable Results
- Option to save results for future reference or consultation
- Downloadable Excel spreadsheet format of the budget plan
The outputs are designed to give users both a clear view of their current financial situation and actionable guidance for improving their financial wellbeing.
4.2.6 - Model architecture
The model is rule-based rather than machine-learning-based. It uses assumptions and calculations based on user input to project budget outcomes: The Budget Planner is implemented as an interactive web application built using: React (front-end framework) Basic calculation and data processing logic Integration with Gov.Notify API for email functionality
The tool: Collects user input across multiple categories (income, expenses, etc.) Performs mathematical calculations and categorisation of financial data Generates budgeting summaries and personalised recommendations
The architecture of the calculator involves deterministic projections using these predefined assumptions and user inputs.
4.2.7 - Model performance
The Budget Planner is a deterministic tool rather than a machine learning model, and therefore traditional Machine Learning (ML) performance metrics (such as precision, recall, and F1 scores) are not applicable. Nonetheless, this tool performs straightforward calculations based on user inputs across various financial categories including income, household bills, living costs, and other spending areas. From the available documentation, we can identify the following operational aspects:
Data Processing Performance: The tool processes user inputs in real-time Completion time is estimated at 5-10 minutes Calculations are performed across 8 main categories of financial information
Data Handling Efficiency: Email addresses (the only personal data collected) are processed through Gov Notify API Data is automatically deleted after 7 days No long-term storage of personal information is maintained
Input Validation: The tool accepts various frequencies (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.) Users can input additional items in each category as needed.
The Budget Planner undergoes several testing stages to ensure reliability and accuracy: Technical Testing: Calculation validation across different payment frequencies (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly) and comparison againt results from the simulated data. Input field validation for all main financial categories Session management testing to verify the save and resume functionality Integration testing with Gov.Notify API for email delivery Data retention testing to confirm 7-day automatic deletion policy
4.2.8 - Datasets
The dataset utilised for developing and validating the model used by the Budget Planner consists of simulated scenarios consisting of users data with varying combinations of costs. This dataset was instrumental for evaluating the accuracy of the formulas employed in the model to ensure precise results.
The budget planner has around 30 various functional test examples and over 600 unit tests. This tool is weighted more heavily towards unit tests for specifications rather than functional/integration tests.
In particular, the functional test dataset consists of a structured collection of input data (i.e. income, costs) and corresponding expected outputs. For instance, given specific input parameters such as Income, Household expenses, Benefits information, Financial circumstances, Family information, Savings and investments the model response is evaluated by comparing its output against the expected one.
4.2.9 - Dataset purposes
Simulated test cases (using varying combinations of incomes and costs) where used for development and testing processes. Considering the model characteristics (i.e. rule-based) there is no training or validation required.
Tier 2 - Data Specification
4.3.1 - Source data name
Budget Planner (BP) Test set - Simulated dataset
4.3.2 - Data modality
Tabular
4.3.3 - Data description
Simulation of customer data to create different scenarios and enable the generation of diverse as well as complementary data points whilst covering a variety of combinations.
4.3.4 - Data quantities
30 full complete scenarios (data containing all the inputs and expected outputs) to analyse functional aspects and over 600 additional unit tests.
4.3.5 - Sensitive attributes
Specifically, the BP functional test set provides a collection of inputs and their corresponding expected outputs. Sensitive attributes in these test cases include personal data such as income.
4.3.6 - Data completeness and representativeness
Data is complete (no missing data) and it moderately represents the target population.
4.3.7 - Source data URL
No available public URL
4.3.8 - Data collection
This dataset comprises a simulated sample of individuals with varying income, household bills, living costs, finance & Insurance, family & friends, travel as well as leisure costs. This data was obtained via numerical simulation.
4.3.9 - Data cleaning
N/A
4.3.10 - Data sharing agreements
N/A
4.3.11 - Data access and storage
Data - personal or otherwise - is stored by GovNotify (https://www.notifications.service.gov.uk/)) for 7 days (which be reduced to 3), and add to privacy policy. Data is stored during the user’s journey, allowing users to save (and resume later) and or move back and forth until they reach the final summary step (customers in this way can evaluate the impact of changes in the input parameters and how these affect the outcome). If customers save the temporary data during the journey, they will be able to come back later and resume the session.
Tier 2 - Risks, Mitigations and Impact Assessments
5.1 - Impact assessment
Name of Assessment: Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for the Budget Planner.
The DPIA was conducted to assess the data protection implications of moving the Budget Planner tool from a Ruby version to a React platform. The assessment focused on the handling of user data, particularly email addresses used for saving and accessing budget information.
Key Findings: Risk Level: Medium, with a review frequency set to every 12 months
Data Processing: Only email addresses are collected as personal data Emails are processed through Gov Notify API Data is automatically deleted after 7 days Session IDs used instead of personal identifiers
Data Protection Measures: Data minimisation principles applied Clear retention schedules implemented Consent-based processing with withdrawal options via contact@maps.org.uk
Approval Process: The initial submission and subsequent reviews took place between October and December 2024.
5.2 - Risks and mitigations
Based on the provided DPIA document, the Budget Planner tool has few identified risks related to data protection and privacy:
Identified Risks:
User emails temporarily stored
Mitigations: Risk is mitigated by practicing Data Minimisation (only emails are collected because are required to send email), storing data for three days only.
Overall Risk Assessment: Level: Medium Review frequency: Annual
The DPIA indicates all identified risks have appropriate controls in place.