Young people aged
16 to 24 who live in London will be able to apply for a National
Identity Card from 8 February, it was announced today.
The rollout to young people in the capital follows the successful
uptake of cards in Greater Manchester and the North West of England.
The £30 identity card provides a secure and convenient way for
people to prove their identity whether they are travelling in
Europe - the cards can also be used in place of a passport for
travel throughout Europe - or buying age-restricted goods.
Young people across the capital buying alcohol, computer games
and DVDs, going to the cinema or to a club, know how important it
is to have a recognised proof of identity which is easy to carry.
Research by the Identity and Passport Service shows that over
half of lost and stolen passports belong to people under 30, and a
tenth of those are lost by people using them as ID on a night out.
As an ID card fits snugly into a wallet, it should help avoid the
card becoming lost.
Also from next month until 30 June, people across the UK who have
registered an interest through the Directgov website will be able
to apply for a card. More than 16,000 people have already
registered an interest in getting an identity card in this way.
Meg Hillier, the Home Office Minister responsible for identity
cards said:
“The National Identity Card will prove an extremely useful tool
for young people in London, whether they are opening a bank
account, buying age-restricted goods such as computer games or
DVDs, entering a nightclub or travelling to Europe.
“These benefits are already being enjoyed by members of the
public in Greater Manchester and the North West of England and
with tough new legislation being put in place clamping down on
underage drinking, it will be more important than ever for young
people to have access to a universally accepted proof of age.”
Richard Hurley, Communications Manager at CIFAS the UK's
Fraud Prevention Service said:
“When the National Identity Card is introduced, it will be
another document to help establish an individual’s identity,
alongside a passport, driving licence, etc. As such, it will
potentially be another ‘tool in the toolbox’ in the fight to
prevent fraud.
“In time, when everyone has a National Identity Card, it may well
become the ‘Gold Standard’ for establishing an individual’s
identity. It may eventually replace all other documents for this
purpose, and be relied upon as the sole proof of identity, but
this will depend on the level of public and corporate confidence
in the National Identity Card.”
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub
Association said:
“Pubs work very hard to prevent underage sales, but in a busy pub
environment, it can sometimes be a challenge.
“Identity cards will be another useful tool for London licensees
to help avoid such sales, while at the same time making sure that
legal customers are welcomed.”
Suleman Khonat, President of the National Federation of Retail
Newsagents, said:
"Independent newsagents and convenience store owners are
pleased that the introduction of national identity cards is to be
rolled out to London.
“Any initiative that provides a means by which members of the
public can confirm their identity and age and which helps to
prevent sales of age-restricted goods such as tobacco and alcohol
to youngsters is to be welcomed."
Individuals can get more information or make an appointment for
an identity card by calling 0300 330 0000.
Further information on the National Identity Service can be found
at http://www.direct.gov.uk/idsmart,
and for businesses at www.businesslink.gov.uk/idsmart.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Identity Minister Meg Hillier today signed a commencement order
allowing anyone aged 16 to 24 who lives in London, and holds a
current or recently expired British passport, to apply for a
National Identity Card from 8 February 2010. The order also
extends eligibility to include people who register an interest in
obtaining the card through the Directgov website until 30 June.
Individuals can get more information or make an appointment for
an identity card by calling 0300 330 0000.
Further information on the National Identity Service for
individuals can be found at http://www.direct.gov.uk/idsmart,
and for businesses at www.businesslink.gov.uk/idsmart.
4 The Early Interest Website was launched on the 6 May 2009 by
the Home Secretary, and allows people to register their interest
in identity cards and the National Identity Service (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Identitycards/DG_174257).
It provides information to people who register about the
development and introduction of identity cards. It also offers the
opportunity for people to sign up for regular e-mail updates about
the development of the service.
5. More than 16,000 people have already registered their interest
online at DirectGov.
6. For more information call the Home Office press office on 020
7035 3851 or 020 7035 3839.
Contacts:
Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk