Identity cards to be extended across North West

15 December 2009

The National Identity Card will be available to residents across the North West including those who live and work in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria from January next year, it was announced today.

The news follows the successful launch of the service to those living and working in Greater Manchester.

The £30 identity cards provide a secure and convenient way for people to prove their identity when they are undertaking individual transactions or buying age-restricted goods. The cards can also be used in place of a passport for travel throughout Europe.

Identity Minister Meg Hillier said:

"We have always said that after the initial rollout to residents of Greater Manchester, we would seek to expand the scheme across the North West as soon as possible.

"Today's exciting announcement is the next stage in offering voluntary identity cards to everyone living in the UK.

"Identity cards are already proving themselves extremely useful in daily life, from opening a bank account to entering a nightclub, and for travel to Europe."

 

Notes to Editors

  1. Identity Minister Meg Hillier today signed a Commencement Order allowing those living or working in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria to apply for the National Identity Card from 4 January 2010.
  2. It was also announced today that the Identity and Passport Service offices in Liverpool and Blackburn will be upgraded to allow identity card enrolment in February 2010.
  3. The National Identity Service will deliver recognisable benefits to residents, businesses and local authorities. They include: 
    • a universal and simple proof of identity that brings convenience for organisations and individuals and means an end to the disorganised use of photocopied bank statements, phone bills and birth certificates;
    • ensuring that foreign nationals living, working and studying here legally are able to easily prove their identity and prevent those here illegally from benefiting from the privileges of Britain; and
    • travel in Europe, using the identity card which fits in a wallet or purse.
  4. Individuals can get more information or make an appointment for an identity card by calling 0300 330 0000.
  5. Further information on the National Identity Service for individuals, can be found at http://www.direct.gov.uk/identity, and for businesses at www.businesslink.gov.uk/idsmart.

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