Ms Kirsty Styles

Email: [FOI #30939 email]

Reference: FOICR 14390/10

Date: 22 April 2010

Dear Ms Styles

Thank you for your further email of 7 April, in which you raise further questions about ID cards which have been addressed in turn.

How many have been issued to the general public, not just people who are promoting the scheme?

It is not possible to break down the number of identity cards issued in that way as the information held on the National Identity Register does not include the basis of an individual's eligibility to apply for an identity card.

How much has the whole scheme cost to date?

The National Identity Service (NIS) combines a number of programmes to deliver modern passports which include facial images and fingerprints, as well as identity cards and other improvements. This is the most cost-effective way to deliver these initiatives because much of the technology and operational processes involved are shared. Total spend on NIS future development projects since April 2006 to September 2009 is £216 million. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) Annual Report and Accounts for 2009-10 will include audited disclosure of operational identity card income and expenditure.

Yours sincerely

A Saeed

Parliamentary & Correspondence Management Team

Passport Adviceline: 0300 222 0000 (07.00 - 23.00 seven days a week).

Email us at [email address]. Visit our website at www.ips.gov.uk.

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