Database opens way to compulsory ID cards

Compulsory ID cards came a step closer today with the go-ahead for a national computer register of Britain's entire population.

All 58million UK residents will have their details logged on a central computer with a unique identifying number.

The Home Office confirmed that the scheme, due to be launched next year, was designed partly to enable the introduction of ID cards for every person. If the cards get the go-ahead, the computer files would be upgraded to include biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and iris scans.

But even if the ID card plan is dropped, the national database will be used to cut welfare, education and health fraud by creating a central file where all government departments can store information.

At present, there is no single identifying number for each UK resident.

Many public services, including the Inland Revenue and parts of the health service, use national insurance numbers to tag records. However, there is a jumble of separate systems such as driving licence numbers and hospital records, which prevent crosschecking for fraud.

The new system will mirror that in the US where citizens need a welfare number to pay taxes, claim benefits or use services.

The Treasury was a driving force behind the register, which will be developed by the Office of National Statistics. But a Home Office spokesman confirmed the idea would also link to David Blunkett's timetable for bringing in ID cards. Initially the register will hold names, addresses, dates and places of birth and gender.