Digital ID plan ripped up as rebranded ‘Government by app’ launched
Ministers are now emphasising the benefit of digital ID accounts in helping people interact with public services with the same ease as online banking
Rebranded plans to roll out digital ID have been unveiled
Rebranded plans to roll out digital ID have been unveiled after a backlash over the original proposals.
In September, Keir Starmer announced digital ID cards would be mandatory for people to prove their right to work in a crackdown on illegal employment. But the plans were later dropped after a major backlash from campaigners and MPs amid concerns over privacy and civil liberties.
In a relaunch of the policy, ministers are now emphasising the benefit of digital accounts in helping people interact with public services with the same ease as online banking.
The PM’s chief secretary Darren Jones today said employers will still have to enforce digital right to work checks by the end of the Parliament but employees will be able to choose between using a government digital ID, a passport or E-visa or an alternative method.
READ MORE: 7 key details in social media crackdown plan – and how it could affect your kids
At a Downing Street press conference, he gave a demonstration of a prototype of “Government by app” underpinned by digital ID, which he said will be built in-house by the Government Digital Service.
He said people will be able to use the voluntary digital ID to renew their vehicle tax, to sort out their childcare entitlement, to find out when their bins are collected, or to prove their identity at the ballot box. Different services will be added over time, excluding health services which will remain in the NHS app.
Mr Jones said: “People too often dread their interactions with public services. Endless telephone calls, complicated printed forms and having to tell your story multiple times to different parts of Government. I want to change that and make public services work for you.
“The new digital ID will make that possible, allowing you to log on and prove who you are to access public services more quickly, easily and securely.”
Mr Jones insisted the Government “will not leave people behind” and vowed to support those who are less confident in tech or want to use an alternative. The Cabinet minister said digital ID will also cut costs to the taxpayer as public services will be streamlined and more efficient.
He said the DVLA processed 45,000 letters each day, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs used 500 different paper forms, and HMRC handled more than 100,000 phone calls a day.
The budget watchdog has previously estimated the project would cost £1.8billion over a three-year period, while Mr Jones suggested the plans could save the taxpayer “billions”.
An eight-week consultation was launched on the plans, as well as a “people’s panel” to allow the British public to “have their say” on the controversial plans. The panel will be made up of a representative sample of 100 people across the country with different backgrounds.
A name for “digital ID”, what the digital document looks like, or the minimum age for getting one will all be decided in the consultation. Legislation will be introduced after the consultation, with the app expected to be up and running for right to work checks from 2029.
