East Sussex Councillors To Debate Government Digital ID Plans

Councillors at East Sussex County Council are set to debate government proposals to introduce digital ID in the UK.

The issue will be discussed at a full council meeting on Tuesday, March 24, following a motion put forward by Liberal Democrat councillor David Tutt.

The motion calls on the authority to formally oppose the plans and urges council leader Keith Glazier to write to MPs and the government outlining these concerns.

It also proposes that the council works with local voluntary groups, digital inclusion organisations and civil liberties bodies to ensure no residents in East Sussex are excluded or disadvantaged by any national identification scheme.

The wording reflects a wider model motion produced by the Liberal Democrat Group within the Local Government Association.

Council officers have noted that the government has already revised its initial proposals. While digital ID was first suggested as a mandatory requirement for some processes, it is now expected to be optional for residents.

However, plans remain in place to introduce mandatory electronic right-to-work checks by 2029, although alternatives such as e-passports are expected to be accepted.

The government is continuing to consult on the proposals.