I received a nice letter from HM Government/Identity & passport agency yesterday.

The letter and accompanying leaflet was extolling the virtues of the Governments Identity card scheme which is currently being piloted in Manchester and London. 

Of course they do make it clear its voluntary and they do eventually mention that they would like you to part with £30 for the privilege.

Of course they don’t mention the fact that the marketing campaign across Manchester and London is estimated at costing £1.3 million of taxpayers money.

Money that could pay for 50 more Police officers (on basic starter pay) at a time when Greater Manchester Police is facing budgetary constraints.

As someone that doesn’t even have a current passport never mind an ID card, I am surprised I can exist. Certainly when you read the promotional letter you could be forgiven for thinking that your life would be so much easier (albeit £30 poorer) if you only had one of these precious cards. 

At a time when public sector spending is supposed to be being cut back I find it absolutely scandalous to find the Government is spending £1.3m on a pet project that will not stop terrorism, will not improve public services and is not necessary.