FFW’s ID card work to survive change of govt

Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have pledged to ditch ID cards and the National Identity Register, but it is understood that the new Government is considering adding biometric passports to the scrapheap.

However, FFW’s role as adviser to the Identity and ­Passport Service (IPS) will not be affected by any of the proposed changes.

The City firm acted on the development of a framework for the procurement of five lots of ID card and biometric passport projects. It is ­understood that it is now advising the IPS on the implications of a shift in policy.

Technology partners Paul Barton and Marcus Turle are leading on the projects for FFW.

Barton said: “There could be more work for us because of a change of government, so it might even be an opportunity. The potential for us would be if they have to make new ­contractual arrangements with the suppliers.”

Details of government policy are yet to emerge, but it is understood that ­Whitehall officials met ­suppliers and advisers before the election to ­discuss the impact of any changes.