Elections Bill (Sixth sitting)

Peter Gibson Excerpts

Committee stage
Wednesday 22nd September 2021 Public Bill Committees

[Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con)]

Does the hon. Lady agree that local authorities are best placed to do that as they are on the ground and have the experience of issuing concessionary bus passes and disability blue badges?

--- Later in debate ---

[Fleur Anderson]

With our amendments, the Opposition are trying to mitigate the worst impact of having a voter ID. Frequently having to re-apply for a voter ID card will have a disproportionately bad impact, potentially stopping people from voting. I do not think any of us want to see that. This is about getting the right balance; is three, five, 10, 15, 20 or 50 years the right balance? I will be interested to hear the Minister’s views. It would be out of step with best practice to require voter ID cards to be frequently renewed, and there is also a disproportionate cost. How much should administering them cost?

[Peter Gibson]

Does the hon. Lady consider that 10-year periods for a British passport or driving licence are perfectly acceptable and modest?