THE Labour Government’s plan for mandatory digital ID will cost £1.8 billion over the next three years – but is currently “unfunded”, according to the budget watchdog.

The news comes from the Office for Budget Responsibility’s economic and fiscal outlook, which was mistakenly published ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget on Wednesday.

During her speech, Rachel Reeves did mention digital ID – claiming it “will break the link between illegal migration and illegal working” – but failed to outline its cost. The Treasury’s Budget report also mentions the scheme, but again does not address the cost.

However, the OBR analysis says it is “provisionally forecast to cost £1.8 billion in total over the next three years”.

It adds: “The Government has announced its intention to meet the costs of thi

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