I suggested to North Somerset councillor Mike Bell a motion against ID cards and it was passed this week:
http://www.mike-bell.org.uk/news/237.html
"That this Council notes -
(1) that the Government has returned to its aim of introducing compulsory ID cards for all adults in Britain, including those living in North Somerset;
(2) that the proposed scheme implies costs to the Council itself in terms of ensuring compatibility of operations;
(3) that the Home Secretary when asked whether ID cards would have prevented the recent terrorist atrocities said 'I doubt it would have made a difference';
(4) that the Government has reported that the scheme will cost £93 per person;
(5) that the London School of Economics estimated the cost of cards could be as high £20 billion - three times Government estimates, the LSE put the lowest cost to each individual at £170;
that this Council believes -
(1) that the introduction of National Identity Cards will do little, if anything, to prevent terrorism, crime or fraud and that the money could be spent more effectively;
(2) that it will be an unacceptable burden for the citizens of North Somerset to be forced to pay for a card without regard to their ability to pay;
(3) that this is an unacceptable infringement of civil liberties and a further domination of Government over the citizen;
that North Somerset Council -
(1) will take no part in any pilot scheme or feasibility work in relation to the introduction of the national identity cards;
(2) makes it a policy of the Council to ensure that national identity cards would not be required to access Council services or benefits unless specifically called to do so by Act of Parliament;
(3) is opposed to the introduction of national identity cards and will write to the Home Secretary to inform him of Council policy;
(4) believes that the estimated £3-5 billion saved should be spent on a range of crime prevention and community development initiatives together with the recruitment of more police and community support officers."
http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/council/docs/doc12431.htm (agenda)
