Travel agents: the ID card issuers of the future?

The UKs new national ID card scheme which would see residents holding a combined identification card and biometric passport is becoming an increasingly expensive proposition. James Hall, the IPS chief executive has recently suggested that travel agents and Post Offices help the government to recruit and enroll people in the scheme.

The existing scheme involves a network of 70 offices with the ability to issue identity cards. According to the IPS chief, however, the number will be inadequate. In searching for new agents to assist with the programme, his office came up with travel agents.

IPS recently released an update of the six-month cost estimates for the new identification plan. The total cost of issuing identity cards to citizens of Britain and the UK is expected to be around £5.4 billion. In addition, the IPS is predicting that £182 million will be required for cards for non-Irish foreign residents.

Foreigners will have to pay for their cards in order to help the government recover some of the costs of the programme which has already increased to about £100 per resident.



Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on Travel insurance, UK airport parking, UK airport hotels or UK airport lounges.



Jennifer Jones Editorial


10/11/2007


Related Travel News:

 
 



Read more UK travel news