The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is fighting
an order made by the Information Commissioner’s Office to make
public a report it has written into the feasibility of the proposed
national ID card scheme.
Like all government departments, the DWP was asked to draw up a
secret report into the costs, benefits and risks of introducing ID
cards in terms of its business.
The DWP is responsible for the distribution of welfare benefits
and the government has indicated that those refusing to carry an ID
card will be cut off from such benefits.
The DWP’s refusal to comply with the Information Commissioner’s
release request has therefore caused controversy.
Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten made a request for the
information to be released under the Freedom of Information Act,
but was refused the information by the DWP.
The Commissioner has backed Oaten, but the DWP is now appealing
that decision.
The Commissioner said the public interest in releasing the
report outweighed any factors for keeping it secret.