10,000 people register their interest in applying for an Identity Card

(19/10/2009)

Ahead of the public launch and roll out of ID cards to residents of Greater Manchester, the number of individuals signing up for further information on the service has risen. The number of people registering their interest in applying for an Identity Card has passed 10,000 this week.

Voluntary identity cards will help prevent identity theft by providing a safe and convenient way for individuals to prove their identity. The card will also act as a credit card-sized passport within the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.

The National Identity Service will deliver recognisable benefits to residents, businesses and local authorities. They include:
* a universal and simple proof of identity that brings convenience for organisations and individuals – that means an end to the disorganised use of photocopied bank statements, phone bills and birth certificates;
* ensuring that foreign nationals living, working and studying here legally are able to easily prove their identity and prevent those here illegally from benefiting from the privileges of Britain; and
* travel in Europe, using the identity card which fits in a wallet or purse.

Delivery schedule:
* from 25 November 2008 compulsory identity cards began to be issued to foreign nationals who come to the UK to work or study;
* in the first half of 2009 contracts were awarded for application and enrolment, biometrics storage systems and the production of passports;
* by the end of 2009, volunteers in Greater Manchester will be given the chance to enrol for the first identity cards;
* from early 2010, identity cards will be issued on a voluntary basis to residents in the North West; and
* from 2011/12 identity cards will roll out to the wider population on an entirely voluntary basis.

ID cards issued to airside workers will bring real benefits to employers, employees and the public. They will help:
* improve the portability of reference checks between employers and airports, creating greater flexibility for employers and staff;
* kick start joint work to explore opportunities for streamlining airside pass regimes; and
* give holders a highly secure and convenient identity document that can be used to prove their identity and act as a travel document within the EEA for UK citizens.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Identity and Passport Service, James Hall said: "The level of interest in identity cards shows there is a real demand for a safe and convenient way for people to prove their identity. The launch of identity cards in Greater Manchester and the consumer awareness campaign that will be launched with it will raise the profile of the scheme further."

"With identity fraud on the rise, it is vital that consumers are able to securely prove their identity. The introduction of identity cards will be one factor in combating the increase in identity-related crime."

Related topics:  ID card 

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