§ Mr. DavidTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many increases there have been in the cost of passports in the past 10 years; and what those increases have been. [32244]
§ Angela EagleThere have been four increases to the cost of passports in the past 10 years. In November 1992, March 1998, December 1999 and the last recent increase in January of this year. The increases are as follows:
872WFee increase November 1992
The adult fee increased by £3 from £15 to £18.
The child fee also increased by £3 from £15 to £18, but with a free renewal provided after five years.
Fee increase March 1998
The adult fee increased by £3 to £21.
The child fee became £11 for a five year issue, replacing the £18 fee for a 10 year issue which was then renewed free of charge after five years.
Amendments increased by £6 to £11
Jumbo passports increased by £4 to £31.
An additional counter fee of £10 was introduced.
Fee increase December 1999
The adult fee increased by £7 to £28.
The child fee increased by £3.80 to £14.80 and became compulsory.
Amendments increased by £6 to £17
Jumbo passports increased by £7 to £38.
The additional counter fee increased by £2 to £12.
Fee increase January 2002
The adult fee increased by £2 to £30
The child fee increased by £1.20 to £16
Amendments increased by £1 to £18
Jumbo passports increased by £2 to £40.
The additional counter fee increased by £3 to £15.
The fee for a collective passport, for organised trips for schools and youth groups increased by £2 to £42.
Two new services were also introduced in January of this year. A one week guaranteed service now costs an additional £15 and a same day premium service, an additional £30.