New legislation will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote while also changing the rules around voter ID, registration and political donations.

Scotland and Wales already allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in elections for their devolved legislatures, but Northern Ireland does not.

Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, said: “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.

“We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our plan for change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.

“We cannot take our democracy for granted, and by protecting our elections from abuse and boosting participation we will strengthen the foundations of our society for the future.”

Rushanara Ali, minister for democracy, added: “We are modernising our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century.

“By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16- and 17-year-olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy, supporting our plan for change.

“By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.”

UK-issued bank cards will become an accepted form of ID at polling stations in response to concerns that photo ID rules have a negative impact on turnout.

An increasingly automated voter registration system will also make it easier for people to register to vote and reduce the need to fill out their details across different government services on multiple occasions.

New finance rules will prevent “shell companies” from making political donations to UK political parties, and new checks will be imposed on donations of over £500 from unincorporated associations.

The Electoral Commission will be able to enforce heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach political finance rules, and tougher sentences will be imposed on those who abuse election campaigners.