Ministers reveal that the digitally excluded may be able to use familiar locations on the high street to obtain a more traditional ID card that could be kept in wallets

Government is exploring the possibility of creating a “physical alternative” to its planned digital identity. These cards could be offered to those without the necessary skills or access to technology to use virtual IDs, a minister has indicated.

Having announced in September that the use of a state-issued digital identity will be mandatory for employment checks by 2029, government will shortly “launch a full public consultation on the design of the new digital ID, and have already started to engage with a range of expert organisations”, on issues of digital exclusion, according to Josh Simons, a junior minister at the Cabinet Office.

“At the heart of this will be the largest ever digital inclusion programme ever delivered in this country, to ensure everyone can access this new free ID and benefit from it,” he added, in response to a written parliamentary question from fellow Labour MP Gareth Snell, who asked whether government has assessed the “potential merits of using Post Offices” to support the rollout.

As well as the efforts to make digital credentials more accessible, government may also offer a more traditional ID card that could obtained via familiar channels, Simons indicated.

“We are considering options like a digitally enabled physical alternative for those without access to technology, as well as in-person onboarding support for those who struggle to engage digitally,” he said. “This may include Post Offices but that decision has not yet been made and will depend on several different factors.”

Data and delivery
Snell’s enquiry is one of a stream of questions the Labour government continues to field from MPs about the controversial digital ID plans – which have been criticised by a comprehensive range of other parties from across the spectrum.

Another query, from Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley, concerned whether the new identity regime “will enable the government to monitor which employers have performed digital ID checks”.

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“As with the current digital checking systems, it is expected that when illegal working is encountered and a civil penalty is being considered, the Home Office will be able to verify when a check was conducted and who conducted the check,” Simons responded. “Digital Right to Work checks will simplify the process for businesses and will reduce the risk posed by physical documents.”

Meanwhile digital government minister Ian Murray – whose role sits within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – provided more details of the federated model that will support the digital ID.

“We recognise the importance of both cybersecurity and privacy,” he said, in response to a question from Conservative Ben Obese-Jecty. “We will consult and engage on the practical operation of the scheme, and the data structures underpinning it, as it is developed. The data for the digital ID scheme will be federated, as doing so is good practice for things like this. That means most data will stay where it is already safely stored, such as in HM Passport Office or other government departments, and only joined up if and when needed.”

Prime minister Keir Starmer announced two weeks ago that the Cabinet Office would take over responsibility for delivering the digital identity plans. Having taken the reins form DSIT, Whitehall’s central department will assume control of policymaking and any necessary amendments to the UK’s legal framework, as well as broad oversight of implementation. DSIT will remain in charge of building the technology itself, and will  work closely with the Cabinet Office – as will other departments throughout government, according to the PM.