Call for evidence: Home Office approach to charging for services

The press release on the launch of the inspection states; ‘The Independent Chief Inspector has begun work on an inspection of the Home Office’s charging for services in respect of its asylum, immigration, nationality and customs functions. The inspection will look at the rationale and authority for particular charges, including the amounts charged. It will also look at whether the Home Office is providing the services in question efficiently and effectively, including meeting agreed service levels where these exist, and at the means of redress where individuals are dissatisfied with the service they have received. Where the charged service is a premium option and a free service exists, the inspection will look at the relationship between the two, including how both are resourced and managed.‘

The statement from the Department goes on to explain that the Independent Chief Inspector would ‘like to encourage contributions from anyone with first-hand knowledge or experience of Home Office charging for services.’

As such, NACCOM members are encouraged to share examples of where charging for services has led to destitution and hardship for people trying to regularise or maintain their status in the UK.

You are invited to submit evidence by 16 July 2018 by emailing the Independent Chief Inspector or by post: ICIBI, 5th Floor, Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PN.

Got questions about the process or want to know more about what other members are doing on this issue? Get in touch with Lucy at [email protected] for more info.