The Government is bringing forward its plans to launch identity cards to the British public.

Eager to stress the benefits of ID cards, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today announced that British nationals will be able to get the cards on a voluntary basis this year.

A website will also be launched in the spring so people can “stay up-to-date with developments and can register to be told if the National Identity Service goes live in their region”.

In a speech at Manchester Town Hall she said: "Identity cards are already a reality... and this year we will begin offering identity cards on a voluntary basis, giving British nationals the chance to access the benefits of identity cards as soon as possible.

"Those benefits include increased protection against identity fraud for the individual and help in protecting our communities against criminals, illegal immigrants and terrorists trying to exploit multiple identities."

Identity cards are already a reality for foreign nationals and more than 50,000 are expected to have cards by April this year. Ms Smith said that work was underway to identify a number of areas across the UK where British nationals could be among the first to apply for an identity card. A limited number of cards will be available from this autumn.

She said: "From 2010, starting with young people, we will begin offering identity cards on a voluntary basis to anyone who will benefit from them in their daily lives. From 2011/12 identity cards will roll out to the wider population on an entirely voluntary basis."

The Home Office said the fee for a British citizen's identity card issued in 2009 or 2010 will be £30 or less.