Labour's controversial digital ID cards, otherwise known as BritCards, could go far beyond just proving someone's ability to work, according to reports.
It comes after the government did a U-turn on the original proposals for the ID cards, saying they will no longer be compulsory for anyone living in the UK as a way to crack down on illegal immigration.
Now, Keir Starmer's Labour have unveiled new plans for the BritCards, which involve helping with everything from claiming benefits to knowing when to put your bins out.
Earlier this week, the government revealed the first prototype of the digital cards, as well as details on what the scheme might look like, as it promises to become the 'front door' for public services.
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In the documents released by the Cabinet Office, the government plans to retain the right to revoke a person's digital ID and might even introduce enforcement action to anyone who fails to keep their details up to date.
The so-called BritCard will still include right-to-work checks as initially planned, but it should also include childcare, tax, national insurance and extras like registering a marriage. The app should also be able to highlight what benefits are available based on personal circumstances, simplifying the Universal Credit system, child benefits and support on housing.
It even includes plans to include details from local councils, like when bin collections are due.
Everything the digital ID cards will be needed for
- Employment right-to-work checks, which will involve proving you can legally work in the UK and allowing employers to verify your identity and immigration status
- Accessing government services, like benefits or welfare payments, pension services, childcare support or free childcare, student loans and local council services
- Tax and financial government records, allowing you to view and update tax information, correct tax records or access National Insurance records
- Driving related services, like proving you're allowed to drive, applying or renewing your licences or handling vehicle tax
- Age verification for buying restricted items like alcohol or accessing restricted online services
- Voting identity checks
- Opening bank accounts or private services like signing up for online platforms that require ID
- Proving identity instead of requiring items like passport, driving licence or paper documents
According to MP Darren Jones, it's hoped the digital ID will ‘become the front door to how you access public services,' as it ‘reduces existing, systemic barriers to accessing public services’, allowing people to ‘access the services to which they are entitled.'
Referring to a similar service, which is already in action in Estonia, the Cabinet Office documents said parents are said to ‘experience a seamless, digital-first system for accessing financial support’ using their digital identity when their child is born.
"Using their digital identity, parents register the birth online within minutes. Immediately afterward, a tailored benefits offer appears in their government account. Parents simply review and accept the offer," it explains.
Not everyone is in favour of the scheme, with a spokesperson for Reform UK insisting the digital ID cards 'will make no difference to illegal immigration but it will instead be used to control and penalise the rest of us,' adding that 'the state should never have this much power.'
Meanwhile, Tory MPs have warned that while the ID will be useful for accessing services, the plans are 'already expanding far beyond its original reach.'
Emma Rosemurgey