MPs critical of ID cards plan
Biometric scheme needs greater clarity and wider consultation, says Commons committee
Home Office consultation on its proposed biometric identity cards programme has been too restricted and its cost estimates may be unreliable, according to MPs.
Discussions with industry have been largely limited to procurement questions while details about the architecture of the scheme remain undetermined, according to a Commons Science and Technology Committee report published today.
And because extensive technical trials are yet to take place, the committee is sceptical about government predictions of £584m per year running costs.
The Home Office needs more focus on successful IT implementation rather than just biometrics themselves, says the committee.
'There is still time for the Home Office to make alterations to its processes,' says the report.
'We encourage the Home Office to seek advice on ICT from senior an experienced professionals and to establish an ICT assurance committee.
'We also emphasise that if evidence emerges that contradicts existing assumptions, changes must be made to the programme even if the timescale or cost of the project is extended in consequence,' it says.
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