Notice of Motion - Digital ID scheme - Briefing note

Noted · Received for information; no decision followed.

This briefing note, prepared for a Notice of Motion by Councillor Tutt at the County Council meeting on 24 March 2026, summarises the government's proposed digital ID scheme and how it might be put into practice. p1p2p3p4

On 26 September 2025 the government announced plans for a mandatory digital ID verification scheme that would be used to carry out right to work checks. p5

After public and political concerns were raised, the government changed the proposal so that holding a digital ID will be optional, although it still intends to make electronic right-to-work checks mandatory by 2029, with alternatives such as e-passports accepted. p8p13

According to government statements, the ID would be free, stored on a person's own device in the Gov.UK Wallet app, with no central database of personal data, and physical alternatives would be available for people without smartphones. p11

The government is currently running a public consultation on the direction of the scheme and the future legislation that may be used to implement it. p10

Show the 9 passages this is based on

• p1County Council – 24 March 2026 Item 7 – Notice of Motion by Councillor Tutt
• p2Digital ID Scheme. 1. Introduction 1.1 This briefing summarises:
• p3· The government’s initial mandatory digital ID scheme proposal
• p4· The potential implementation of the scheme in practice.
• p52. Mandatory Digital ID Scheme 2.1 On 26 September 2025 the government announced plans to implement a mandatory digital ID verification scheme, which would be used to carry out right to work checks.
• p82.4 Since then the government has made changes to the proposal following the expression of public and political concerns. The ID will now be an optional feature which residents can decide whether to hold. However, the government is still proceeding to make electronic right-to-work checks mandatory by 2029, but other mechanisms such as e-passports can be used in place of a mandated Digital ID.
• p103.1 The government is currently undertaking public consultation on the direction of the scheme and future legislation that may be used to implement the scheme. However, although not yet finalised the UK government’s official press release, explainer, and statements suggest the system will have the following features.
• p113.2 The digital ID will be free to download and stored ‘securely’ in the Gov.UK Wallet app, it will be stored on an individual’s device, similarly to the NHS App or contactless payment cards. The ID will contain an individual’s name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo and will verify their identity and right to residency. No central database of personal data will exist, instead each government department will retain its own relevant data in a federated system, and the ID system will be able to draw from these separate databases as required. The stored information will be securely encrypted and will include authentication processes; the information can also only be shared with the individual’s approval. The sharing of data will be transparent and at the user’s discretion and the right to access the information can be easily revoked in the instance that a device is lost or stolen. The data system will also not be able to survey or track an individual’s location or activities, and the ID itself cannot be requested by police officers. 3.3 The government has confirmed its intention to make the digital ID as accessible as possible. The government expressed they will look to ensure that there are provisions in place for people who lack proof of identity, and that they intend to ensure physical alternatives are available for those without smartphones. The digital ID app would also include assistive technology to support users with disabilities or accessibility needs.
• p134. Conclusion 4.1 The government’s approach to the digital ID scheme has shifted from its original plan for mandatory participation to an optional system, following public and political opposition. While holding a digital ID will no longer be compulsory, the government still intends to require digital electronic right-to-work checks, allowing alternatives such as e-passports for compliance.