Home Secretary John Reid has announced a new consultation paper on organised and financial crime. The proposals, outlined yesterday, share the common aim of reducing the ability of organised crime to function in the UK. One of the proposals looks to improve the way in which public and private organisations share data on fraudsters.

As most are aware, the Home Office is also responsible for the introduction of identity cards. This controversial move has caused some commentators and organisations to argue that their introduction will, instead of preventing identity fraud, actually help criminal gangs steal identities and commit more crime. Last year, A C Grayling, author of In Freedom’s Name: the case against Identity Cards, argued that their introduction may create a market in forged cards, supplied by organised crime.

Simon Hoggart, writing in today’s Guardian, suggests the Government cannot be trusted with such a high volume of data. While Hoggart pours scorn on Home Office Minister Joan Ryan, it’s worth noting that this issue is a little confused and distorted. The Home Office state that identity theft costs Britain £30 billion a year, yet the shadow Home Secretary David Davis suggests Goverment statistics are inflated.

Perhaps the principal issue is one of basic competence? If the Home Office is “not fit for purpose” can the department and its ministers be trusted with the country’s data.