Onchan MHK Julie Edge has called for the government to introduce ID cards to help manage the strain on public services.
Ms Edge said a system is needed to better manage the population.
She told Tynwald: “It could verify a lawful resident, connect residency status to our schools and GP registration. It would track the population shifts.”
Referencing Guernsey’s model, Ms Edge said a system would help health services and other areas know who can be offered what support and what they are entitled to.
Ms Edge added: “In Guernsey, they have a three-card system. It’s not a difficult thing to do. It would make it smooth and easy for our frontline workers.”
She emphasised the need for clarity, stating: “We need the data governance systems so that we can manage our population fairly.”
Barriers
Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford acknowledged concerns but highlighted cost barriers for any residency card system.
He said: “A single registration system for all residents was considered, but it is quite costly. There was an estimated £2.5 to £4 million cost.”
He added: “Currently, there are no plans to require a unique ID for every resident. Instead, the government is gradually improving data management through linked digital customer records.”
Ms Edge argued the investment would pay off, saying: “It’s unfair that frontline workers have to establish whether a person has insurance or is entitled to treatment.
“A residency card would resolve this.”
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