Island MP Andrew Turner has been informed that the Newport Passport Interview Office faces possible changes as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review, in which the Home Office has to save £2.4 billion over the next 5 years.
The Identity and Passport Service (IPS), as part of the Home Office, has to make changes in how it delivers services, aiming to reduce waste but maintaining an efficient and accessible service. They have announced that nationally they intend to reduce staff numbers by 150 and close 39 local offices. This is because, since interviews were introduced in 2007, fewer interviews have been carried out than anticipated.
Mr Turner has been informed that the Newport office, the only one on the Island, is scheduled to close. It will be replaced by a new customer service centre based in Newport. The IPS say they have ‘successfully piloted this approach on the Isle of Wight’. Under the new plans the nearest full passport office would be in Portsmouth.
Mr Turner commented:
‘These plans will potentially impact on Islanders who are applying for a passport for the first time. This change follows what has been described as a successful trial of the new arrangements. I would be keen to hear from anyone who has encountered any difficulties so that I can make representations to the Home Office about the impact the arrangements will have on Islanders.
‘We do need to save money, but we also need to ensure that people can still access the services they need without crossing the Solent in view of the difficulties and costs of doing so.
‘I have contacted the Identity and Passport Service asking for information on their exact plans for the Newport office and for more information on how they intend to continue providing the service.
‘I really want to hear the experiences of Islanders on this issue.’
END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
