I know there are some spoof websites around. One of my favourites (used to be better) is www.landoverbaptist.org

But this?

http://www.infowars.com/uk-government-to-i...-private-homes/

I've been warning for years how the UK is becoming more Orwellian, but this is getting ridiculous! Most of you are in the UK, so please tell me if this is true or not.

Steve......off to search for hidden cameras!

I've got to the stage where there is no crack-pot idea coming from the powers that be which would surprise me. However, I clicked the link in your link to the Daily Express which apparently printed the article, and this is one of the comments on it...


DAILY EXPRESS MADE UP THE BIT ABOUT CCTV
06.08.09, 8:37pm

Despite the article being wildy wrong, the Daily Express have not corrected it yet.

Here, I will link to the offical response from the Government:

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/news/content.cfm?la...ects&type=1

"Responding to stories claiming that irresponsible families will be monitored by CCTV cameras in their own homes, a DCSF spokesperson said:

Families will not be monitored by CCTV in their own homes. Through Family Intervention Projects (FIPs) we are supporting and challenging the small number of families involved in persistent anti-social behaviour. FIP workers spend time observing families in their own homes, helping them to recognise that their anti-social behaviour is unacceptable. They focus on the causes of their behaviour, and challenge them to make changes so they can turn their lives around. A very small number of families who need further intensive support are placed in residential units with project workers living with them ?" this does not involve CCTV.

This is part of the Government?€™s approach to preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour and youth crime. In the last year alone, FIPs have challenged and supported over 2300 families to turn their behaviour around. Twelve months on from the Youth Crime Action Plan, Ed Balls and Alan Johnson have written to all local authorities in England asking them to expand and accelerate FIPs. Councils and police have reported that FIPs are an excellent way of preventing and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour."

Phew! Thanks!

Though, as you said, it wouldn't surprise me. The world is getting stranger all the time!


Steve

What doesn't surprise me is that the Express made it up. Not exactly a journal of record ...

It is not true ...

... yet

A related item to ponder is the use in the next year or two of satellite technology (like Google Earth/Google maps) to check on which houses have conservatories and/or extensions. If you have one, and have not declared it/sought permission etc, await increased council tax bills!

Great!

Under the freedom of information act, the public and press will have full access to these pictures and we'll be able to see just which houses all our MPs, councillors etc are claiming for and how often their car is in the drive and any changes made - which can be compared against their expense claims.

Steve

How long before we end up going back to a sort of feudal system and have a few scary blokes with maces knocking on the door demanding silver for the King/PM?

We've got them already - they are called HM Tax Inspectors!