STORY
Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed that the Government’s proposed national digital identity scheme will be abandoned as part of what his team described as a reset of priorities. The programme had originally been presented as a way to strengthen right to work checks and tackle illegal employment, but its scope was reduced after opposition over cost, privacy and whether participation should be compulsory.
The Office for Budget Responsibility had estimated spending of around £1.8 billion between 2026-27 and 2028-29, although ending the programme will not necessarily release the whole amount for other uses. Burnham has said attention and resources should instead be directed towards the cost of living, while existing documents and digital systems will continue to be used for employment checks.