Report - Guardian

The LSE Identity Project Report: June 2005 41Card (generatedfrom information inthe register)Legal obligations(requirement toproduce the card inorder to obtainpublic services)“Views are sought on what benefits issuing an entitlement cardas a smartcard would bring to card holders, whether the use of asmartcard chip could be shared by a number of organisationseffectively and whether any potential partners would beinterested in managing the sharing of a chip on behalf of theGovernment.” (p 56)Note that the lead-in material said the smart card wouldincrease costs by 140% and need to be replaced within the 10-year validity period because the chip would degrade with use.The lead-in did lay out the case comparing plain cards, plasticcards, and smartcards, but this is not reflected in theconsultation point, which is highlighted in colour.“it could be easier for card-holders to enrol for other services –joining a local library might be as easy as swiping a card at thelibrary counter.”(p55)“a card scheme could be used to verify access to particularservices or facilities where there is a need to establish identityto a high degree of confidence for example benefit claims orobtaining a VAT Registration Number. (p17) “The card and thecentral register would therefore be used as a gateway toentitlement to these other services.(p60)“The sanctions for failing to obtain a card would depend on theuses of the card. In most cases the sanction would be denial ofservice, subject to the need to ensure that people whose cardshad been lost or stolen could still receive services while waitingfor a replacement.” (p22) “Views are welcomed on whether anentitlement card scheme would allow for more efficient andeffective delivery of Government services and what servicespeople would most like to see linked to a card scheme.”Included.Power granted to createregulations requiringsame for cases where theindividual is someonewho is subject tocompulsory registration.(S15) However, prohibitsrequiring ID card foraccess to services thatmust be provided free ofcharge or effectivelymaking it compulsory tocarry the card.Administrativeconvergence(number and cardused by variety ofagencies andorganisations)Cross notification(agencies notifyeach other ofchanges to aperson's details)New crimes andpenalties (to ensurethat people complywith the IDrequirements)“In particular the Government is examining the feasibility ofdeveloping a high-quality common population register, holdingcore data and a unique identifier on UK residents that could beused across the public sector. (p 25) “Views are invited on thedevelopment of a national population register which could beused in a sophisticated way across the public sector with theaims of improving customer service and efficiency.” (p26)“Any entitlement card scheme would depend on effectiveinformation sharing arrangements.” (p76)“A common database would be indispensable for enabling morejoined up and internet-based delivery of public services.” (p25)“The common database would replace the core data heldinaccurately on existing databases and could in time replace theelectoral register.” (p25) “All these databases would be linkedto the central register to share only the core personalinformation.” (p60)“creation of criminal offences for making fraudulentapplications for cards, fraudulent use of cards andcounterfeiting of cards” (p21); “penalties for failure to notifychanges to personal details for example change of address orchange of name” (p21) create crime of identity fraud/theft(p44);Included in bill.Allowed under S21, S22.Creates (S27-33)Compulsory Asked whether should be voluntary or compulsory Voluntary at first, withlater move to compulsoryregistrationThis leads us to the conclusion that the consultation process failed. A consultationprocess is supposed to generate discussion, feed into the policy process, makeindividuals feel as though they are part of the decision-making process, and to improvethe quality of the policy through the solicitation of a wide spectrum of ideas, opinions,and facts. Although the consultation processes seem to have generated these ideas,opinions, facts and even a national discussion on the issues relating to a national identity