Thousands of families face losing their summer holidays due to ongoing delays at the Passport Office, with MPs accusing the agency of running an 'absolute shambles'. The Home Office is urging travellers to apply for passports 'as soon as possible' as the 10-week processing target is repeatedly breached.
A couple this week told how they may have to cancel their wedding because of the delays. Lucia Thompson and her partner, British nationals living in Australia, applied for their newborn's passport in March but were told to allow 13 weeks. The wedding, costing about £40,000, was already postponed twice due to Covid. Their insurance does not cover passport issues.
Holidaymakers have complained of a system in meltdown, with uncontactable customer services, processing errors, and a lack of fast-track appointments. Some have waited up to five months, losing hundreds of pounds. The Passport Office's contracted courier, TNT, has also caused delays, with some deliveries taking weeks.
Simon Hoare, Conservative MP for North Dorset, told parliament that the helpline is letting down applicants, with constituents being 'lied to by officials'. The Home Office says more than 5 million people have applied after Covid restrictions ended, and post-Brexit EU rules have added pressure. MPs accuse the Passport Office of failing to prepare for the 'foreseeable' demand.
A Passport Office spokesperson said staff numbers have increased by 500, and a record number of applications were processed in March. More helpline staff are being recruited, and Royal Mail and DHL have been contracted to help with deliveries. They urge people to apply as soon as possible, stating that most applications are dealt with within 10 weeks.
