A UK Government minister assured Fermanagh and Omagh District Council that no legal obligation exists for individuals to obtain or present a national digital ID.

Parliamentary Secretary James Frith MP stated this position in a letter dated 1 April 2026. The council had contacted the Cabinet Office for details on the scheme's status after members observed prior announcements about its potential discontinuation.

Frith noted the government plans to develop the digital ID as an optional service people choose to adopt. He clarified that the scheme will not end entirely.

The minister announced an ongoing public consultation on the system's design, available at gov.uk/digital-id-consultation until 5 May. He invited council members to submit responses.

Frith described the initiative as a step to underpin long-term public service improvements through digital means. He expressed thanks to the council for its input and urged further participation.