UK scraps national digital ID scheme while developing related services

The UK Government has scrapped its proposed national digital ID scheme, but MPs have been told that related digital identity infrastructure is still being developed. Officials say GOV.UK One Login, a digital wallet and digital credentials are separate projects that predate the abandoned scheme, though the continuing work leaves questions about what the decision to scrap it means in practice.

More than 80 types of documents are being considered for the wallet, including benefits evidence, driving test certificates and DBS certificates. Private providers can already test integrations, with further trials planned for December and digital driving licences targeted for national rollout in 2027. Officials said consent would govern data sharing within digital services, but acknowledged that departments can already share information without asking and that the policy needs further work.