The introduction of identity cards will be discussed by Colchester Council's scrutiny panel to consider the benefits and disadvantages.
The first hearing of a bill to introduce national identity cards is due to be heard in Parliament in October.
Colchester Council, at its meeting last night, took a vote on whether to discuss the matter or to let a scrutiny panel hear the arguments for and against the scheme and report back to the council's cabinet.
Colin Sykes (Lib Dem, Stanway) had proposed a motion that the council believed the disadvantages of such a scheme would outweigh any benefits to Colchester residents and the cards would do nothing to prevent terrorism, crime and fraud.
He said it struck at the heart of civil liberties.
Tim Young (Lab, St Andrews) put forward an amendment to Mr Sykes' motion which suggested the disadvantages and benefits of the scheme should be fully examined by the scrutiny panel of the council.
He said: "I think this issue is worthy of a more detailed debate."
Councillors voted in favour of the amendment by 29 votes and for the matter to be discussed by the council scrutiny panel.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, September 15, 2005
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