huge fines for failing to update identity cards

Obviously, the government are finding it harder and harder to justify ID cards, so recently they've tried to reconfigure the scheme to use existing IT infrastructure, which may or may not be compatible. And now we learn the irksome expenses that amount to poll taxes on rites of passage:

People would be fined up to £1,000 for failing to return a dead relative's ID card, while women who marry will have to pay at least £30 for a new card if they want to use their married name, risking a £1,000 fine if they do not comply.
The revelations will fuel debate over ID cards in the countdown to their nationwide introduction, which the Government claims will boost security, tackle identity fraud and prevent illegal working. But costs are soaring and the technology has failed in tests.

Telegraph | News | £1,000 fine for failing to update identity cards: Filed in: ID_cards, UK, costs, civil_liberties