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Written question asked by Mike Wood (Conservative) on Monday, 7 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. It was answered by Stephanie Peacock (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.


Proof of Identity: Digital Technology

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2026, to Question HL2688, on Proof of Identity: Digital Technology, and with reference to the answer of 9 December 2025, to Question 96190, on Identity Cards: Digital Technology, if she will set out the methodology in (a) the estimate by the OBR of £1.8 billion over three years and (b) that adopted by the Cabinet Office, further to the statement that the OBR estimate was not an accurate cost of the programme.

Answer

The £1.8 billion over three years was a provisional forecast published by the OBR. The OBR is an independent body and is best placed to provide details on the methodology it uses when producing forecasts.

As this was a provisional forecast it was not acknowledged by the Cabinet Office as an accurate cost estimate for implementing the national Digital ID programme.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27472
Session
2026-27
Related items
Identity Cards: Digital Technology
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Proof of Identity: Digital Technology
Thursday, 3 September 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Digital technology Proof of identity
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk