Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential effectiveness of the proposed Digital ID scheme in locations without consistent internet access; and what steps she is planning to take to support businesses operating in these locations.

Digital inclusion is central to our thinking on this. The Government will deliver a comprehensive inclusion programme to help ensure everyone eligible is able to access the new digital ID. This will include targeted support for both people and businesses who may struggle to access or engage with digital services or devices.

The Government will launch a public consultation on the new digital ID by the end of the year, setting out the proposed approach in more detail and seeking views on this. This will include the proposed approach to inclusion.

The Government will work closely with expert stakeholders to make the programme as effective and inclusive as possible.

No one will see a reduction in accessibility to public services as a result of these plans; indeed, accessing public services should become much easier for people instead.