The introduction and deployment of the UK's ID card scheme is likely to cost £400 million more than expected.
The bi-annual estimate of the public costs involved in the scheme camein at £5.31 billion, according to the government's Identity CardsScheme Cost Report May 2007.
The new figure includes costs for staff required to deliver ID cards andfuture biometric passport production costs. Michael Parker, ofanti-identity card group NO2ID, said costs were highly likely tocontinue going up. "Inevitably these numbers will rise further - therehave been no allowances made here for integration, for example. Bear inmind the original plan was to roll cards out in 2008 - it's fair to saythey're a bit behind."
