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Proof of Identity: Digital Technology

Asked by Gareth SnellLabour (Co-op)Cabinet OfficeTabled Answered 31 October 2025UIN 85262

The question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using post offices to (a) onboard and (b) support people impacted by (i) identity and (ii) digital exclusion in the context of mandatory digital identity.

Answered by Josh Simons

The government will launch a full public consultation on the design of the new Digital ID, and have already started to engage with a range of expert organisations.

At the heart of this will be the largest ever digital inclusion programme ever delivered in this country, to ensure everyone can access this new free ID and benefit from it.

We are considering options like a digitally enabled physical alternative for those without access to technology, as well as in-person onboarding support for those who struggle to engage digitally. This may include Post Offices but that decision has not yet been made and will depend on several different factors.

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