The biometric identity card to be introduced in the U.K. would cost 30 pounds, said Home Secretary Charles Clarke. This cost ceiling will only be applicable in special cases, such as elderly people, those with low incomes, and those who choose to buy "stand-alone" ID cards or do not to exchange their passports for biometric documents which would be available in a combined package at the cost of estimated 93 pounds.
The decision follows a study conducted by accountants KPMG, who, however, have recommended to the government look into some of the cost estimates once again.
Legislation on this issue is to be debated on October 18 in the House of Commons. The government is looking to make the cards mandatory. The swift introduction of these biometric identity cards was prompted following July 2005 attacks.
The cards carrying biometric data such as iris or fingerprint scans are now made by companies including Identix Inc. and Cogent Inc. of the U.S. and Sagem SA of France. They will require a reader.
This card, unlike the combined passport and ID card, can be used for travel within the European Union, applying for jobs, benefits and opening a bank account
PA Consulting Group, of U.K. which is a technology company is advising the government on
implementation of this card programme.
The biometric passports will be issued from next year, while a compulsory national ID card scheme will be introduced by 2008.
The home secretary said that to implement this scheme government would not borrow from the Treasury. Clarke hopes that additional costs incurred can be paid for from his department’s budget and also from other departments such as health, education and work.
"Independent academics have estimated that the true cost of the ID card will be much higher. Whatever the cost, it still beggars belief that the government wants to make people pay this plastic poll tax," according to the shadow home secretary, David Davis.
Posted
on : Sun, 16 Oct 2005 08:45 GMT | General News
By : Paula Jenkins
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