EDS set for lucrative ID cards contract
EDS set to win part of the proposed ID cards deal, despite being embroiled in discussions with HMRC over the failed tax credits scheme
EDS, the IT services company embroiled in the tax credits fiasco, is expected
to pick-up a lucrative slice deal if the government’s planned ID cards scheme
goes ahead.
It is reported that EDS has held high-level meetings with government
officials in charge of the project.
The estimated cost of delivering the ID cards, which aims to give every UK
adult the card by 2008, could be as much as £14.5bn. However, the government has
claimed the project will cost less than half this amount.
EDS is under threat of a possible £100m High Court claim following its
handling of the failed tax credits IT scheme, unless an agreement can be reached
with Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs.