Identity Theft Check

Through charging the general public, the UK Home Secretary has stated the identity card scheme should eventually pay for itself and that to end the scheme at this stage would be a waste and counterproductive.
The Liberal Democrats and the Conservative party are planning to drop the scheme as part of their election manifesto. The scheme is estimated to cost £5.3bn over 10 years. The opposition parties are stating that in reality the cards are only voluntary and over 13 million people would be required to sign up for the cards to cover the costs. Current estimates indicate only 3,000 are likely to apply for a card. Identity cards came into effect in November 2008 for foreign nationals only but people who live in the North West of England can now apply for a card. In February 2010 the scheme was extended to 16 to 24 year olds who live in London.