Centralised basic information will improve efficiency across government

The database at the heart of the national ID cards plan will be used for sharing basic identity information across the public sector, the government has confirmed.

Chief Treasury Secretary Des Browne told the House of Commons that 'there is significant value to both citizens and the public sector in greater sharing of contact details (name, address, date of birth, reference numbers) in a secure way across the public sector'.

The announcement follows the conclusions of the Office of National Statistics Citizen Information Project (CIP). The CIP was designed to provide a standard register of basic information for use across government departments and agencies but was superseded by the ID cards programme.

Browne said the CIP team recommended the project's aims be 'implemented through the ID cards scheme on the basis that the scheme eventually becomes compulsory'.

'The Identity and Passport Service should be responsible for developing the National Identity Register (NIR) as an adult population database,' said Browne.

'Over time public sector systems, business processes and culture should be adapted to use the NIR as the definitive source of contact details in the longer term,' he said.

The ID bill finally passed by Parliament last month specifically included assurances that the scheme will not become mandatory before the next general election and would require another act of primary legislation.

In the meantime the CIP team recommends a greater use of the National Insurance number and associated details held by the Department for Work and Pensions, said Browne.