Saturday 28 May 2022 11:22 AM Ministers knew of Passport Office backlog six MONTHS ago as £5.4million spent ... trends now
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The 'inadequate' performance of six private firms contracted at the Passport Office was known to ministers as far back as six months ago, it has been revealed.
Many holidaymakers' plans are up in the air due to backlogs at the agency, with staff warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate before it gets better.
Travellers' concerns over passport delays were so high, they paid a total of £5.4million last month alone to use the fast-track application, The Times reports.
Labour MP Nick Smith obtained figures from the Home Office showing that 44,386 people used the fast-track service last month, compared to 21,124 in December. It costs £142 for an adult and a £122 for a child.
Over the next six months, another 240,000 one-week applications are expected, which will see applicants pay out an extra £29.2million.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper took Priti Patel to task over the failures, and said: 'People shouldn’t have to shell out more money during a cost of living crisis to
