Consultation response: Making public services work for you with your digital identity
The ATT has submitted its response to the government consultation Making public services work for you with your digital identity, welcoming the ambition to modernise public services while highlighting important issues that must be addressed to ensure the system works for taxpayers, agents and public bodies.
In our response, we recognise that a well‑designed national digital ID could reduce duplication, improve security and streamline interactions with government, particularly in the administration of tax. A trusted digital ID could make it easier for taxpayers and agents to access HMRC services, support faster repayments and improve identity checks across the tax system.
However, we stress that any digital ID system must reflect how people actually interact with public services. Many taxpayers rely on professional agents, and digital ID must work seamlessly with existing agent authorisation frameworks rather than assuming direct digital engagement by individuals.
Digital exclusion is also a central concern. While the government has described the digital ID as voluntary, the response emphasises that digital ID adoption must remain genuinely optional in practice. Non‑digital access routes need to be properly resourced, equivalent in status and timeliness, and sustainable over the long term. Secure physical alternatives, such as a government‑issued card with a digital chip, should be available for those unable to use digital devices.
Security and fraud risks are another key focus. A national digital ID would be an attractive target for criminals, particularly given existing levels of tax‑related identity fraud. We call for strong technical safeguards alongside clear accountability, effective oversight and robust incident response and support arrangements.
The use of phased pilots before any large‑scale roll‑out is both supported and encouraged. Pilots should cover a range of public services, involve different government departments and devolved administrations, and include taxpayers, agents and users with varying levels of digital capability.
Digital ID should include only the information necessary for identity verification and should not become a repository for tax or financial data. Maintaining a clear separation between identity data and service‑specific information is essential to reduce risk and build public trust.
Finally, the ATT highlights the need for transparency around costs, uptake and long‑term funding, to ensure the system reduces rather than adds to administrative burdens.