The government has launched a consultation that seeks views on a proposed national digital ID (identify document) system for British and Irish citizens and foreign nationals with permission to be in the UK.
The government is proposing that three core principles will guide the design of the new digital ID. It must be:
The government “want people in the UK to shape the system and how it will work to ensure these objectives can be achieved. This is why we are running a wide-reaching and inclusive consultation to gather views and bring people together for discussion and debate, ultimately informing our future design choices […]
“We are designing the new digital ID as something people will want to get, rather than something they must have. There will be no legal obligation for people to have or present the digital ID.”
You can view details of the consultation here, which includes a summary of the consultation in BSL: Making public services work for you with your digital identity
The consultation closes at 12:30pm on 5 May 2026.
The board have asked me to submit a written response to the consultation on behalf of Lifetime Lawyers focusing on the impact of the proposals on older people and those in vulnerable circumstances, so primarily ‘Part 4: Inclusive’ which “covers the government’s plans for an ID and digital inclusion drive, to make the digital ID available and accessible to all. It discusses who will be eligible, including the minimum age for the digital ID. It invites views on what groups may need extra support, what their needs are and what alternative access routes could look like”
As with all consultations, I would like our response to represent the views of our members, and I’d be grateful for your input into this.
If you could let me have your thoughts direct by email to [email protected] by no later than close of business on Friday 24 April this would be appreciated.
(Author: Kirsty Limacher, Lifetime Lawyers legal consultant)