Predicted cost of £5.4bn for ID card scheme
National identity card scheme planned to cost £5.4 billion, the Home Office released yesterday
Figures released for the first time by the Home Office yesterday stated that the new national ID card system will total in excess of £5.4 billion, over the next 10 years. This cost includes the set-up and maintenance of the infastructure until October 2016.
Much criticism was met by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats over the costs, and were told to be a "gross underestimate". The Tories say that the scheme should be scrapped altogether, as they believe the total cost is likely to be closer to £20 billion.
Every adult in the UK will be expected to pay for a "biometric" card which stores iris scan details and fingerprints. Home Office Minister Liam Byrne said yesterday "ID Cards will give us a powerful tool to combat identity fraud which underpins organised crime, terrorism and abuse of the immigration system"
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said "The Home Office has an absolutely appaling record for delivering IT based projects on time and on budget". He also said the ID cards would "do nothing" to improve security and "may make it worse".
Much criticism was met by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats over the costs, and were told to be a "gross underestimate". The Tories say that the scheme should be scrapped altogether, as they believe the total cost is likely to be closer to £20 billion.
Every adult in the UK will be expected to pay for a "biometric" card which stores iris scan details and fingerprints. Home Office Minister Liam Byrne said yesterday "ID Cards will give us a powerful tool to combat identity fraud which underpins organised crime, terrorism and abuse of the immigration system"
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said "The Home Office has an absolutely appaling record for delivering IT based projects on time and on budget". He also said the ID cards would "do nothing" to improve security and "may make it worse".