Home Office launches ID card consultation

The Home Office has launched a consultation into the second phase of the National Identity Scheme.

Under the Identity Card Act 2006, the Home Office already has powers to issue ID cards and build a national ID database containing people’s details and biometric information.

However, the 12-week consultation will look at how identity cards are issued and who will be eligible for the cards, following their distribution to foreign nationals this week.

It will also look at extending the number of airports taking part in ID card trials, which start next year at London City and Manchester airports.

A representative for the Home Office said: “We are currently looking at ways in which to extend the roll-out of ID cards. By 2011 or 2012 they will be available to everyone, but this consultation will also help us decide which groups to offer the card to on a voluntary basis.”

He said this would likely be young adults in specific areas of the country.

The consultation, which will close on the 12 February and will be put to Parliament around March next year, will also look at the procedures for making an ID card application and what information should be put on the front of the card.

It will also look at how the accuracy of the national database could be maintained, by putting forward a system of civil financial penalties. This will mean that those who do not inform the Home Office of changes in surname or address could be fined from between £150 to £1,000.

“Unlike passports, which don’t require people to update their information if they move house or get married, the ID scheme needs to be constantly updated,” the Home Office representative said.

He also said the Home Office would look at the different ways in which organisations could access people’s information.

“Businesses such as banks and building societies, which have been accredited by the Home Office, will be able to call us to verify that the ID card shown to them when applying for a mortgage was issued to that person.

“We expect that clubs and pubs or people selling alcohol will use the cards to confirm ID as they do now with driving licences.”