ID CARDS BILL

KEY BENEFITS

• Bill sets out the legal framework to enable identity cards to be introduced throughout the United Kingdom and to create a National Identity Register
• Identity Cards will help: -

1. Tackle illegal working and immigration abuse
2. The prevention and detection of crime and counter-terrorism
3. Prevent identity theft and fraud
4. Prevent fraudulent access to public services
5. Enable easier and more convenient access to services
6. Bill allows verification of cards with consent of holder
7. Safeguards on provision of ID card information without consent
8. Creates new offences - fraudulent use of a card, possession of false ID, unauthorised disclosure of information by administrators of the scheme
9. Establishes National Identity Scheme Commissioner to review operation of the scheme - annual report to the Home Secretary laid before Parliament
10. Bill provides for compulsion to register at a later stage

TERRITORIAL EXTENT

• UK Bill - ID cards will be issued throughout the UK, but use of cards for devolved services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be a matter for devolved authorities

BACKGROUND:

Published in draft in April 2004.

PROGRESS IN PARLIAMENT

This Bill was introduced to Parliament on 29/11/04. You can download a copy of the Bill text here. Information about the Bill's progress in parliament can be found here and you can search the official report (Hansard) for the text of debates on the Bill at Second Reading or Committee stage here. 

COMMENTS

If you have any comments on the proposals you can email them to:

identitycards@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk