Passport costs

olias

RadoJo wrote: »

To the OP - my post was not an attempt to 'justify' the charge. I was just pointing out that you haven't mentioned any evidence to suggest that the charges are inflated beyond the cost of administering and issuing a passport, so it's hard to make a decision on whether it's 'too much' without knowing what the actual cost actually is.

The below are quotes taken form the article Raine e day quoted with my comments in bold:

'Reasons for the hikes have included the funding of a major overhaul of the Passport Agency, to pay for anti-fraud measures and interviews for first-time applicants.'

Costs for a major overhaul should come from central government funds not through what effectively is a stealth tax. Also costs such as interviews for first time applicants should be borne by them, not those simply renewing theirs.

'The cost of £77.50 represents an increase of 85% in just four years.'

Is a hike like that justified for any product or service?

'due to a combination of things, one of which was the falling number of applicants (ironically probably put off by the cost of a passport).'

No surprise there.:rotfl:

'Recently, the coalition Government has stated that people were footing the bill for the introduction of the ill-fated ID cards.'

In other words, part of the increased cost is down to yet another inherited debt from another one of Labours ill thought out financially disatrous schemes.

Olias

Searcher

I've got 2 passports, English and Australian
The cost to renew my Aussie Passport is AUD$226 which works out to roughly £143

So I reckon the English passport is a bargain by comparison!

*Kat*

I can understand renewal, but I have a 10 year passport and need to change the name...costs the same as a brand new one!!

Jeff_Bridges_hair

olias wrote: »

The below are quotes taken form the article Raine e day quoted with my comments in bold:

'Reasons for the hikes have included the funding of a major overhaul of the Passport Agency, to pay for anti-fraud measures and interviews for first-time applicants.'

Costs for a major overhaul should come from central government funds not through what effectively is a stealth tax. Also costs such as interviews for first time applicants should be borne by them, not those simply renewing theirs.

'

Why should it come from central funds. Not everyone in this country has or needs a passport so why should they pay for the luxury of others to go on holiday when they either cant because they cant afford it or dont want to?

olias

Jeff_Bridges_hair wrote: »

Why should it come from central funds. Not everyone in this country has or needs a passport so why should they pay for the luxury of others to go on holiday when they either cant because they cant afford it or dont want to?

Now that is the most ridiculous counter argument I have ever heard!

I pay taxes, but...

I don't use the bus or train, why should I subsidise public transport.
I don't have children, why should I subsidise schools and colleges.
I'm not a steel worker/production line worker/car plant worker (insert, pretty much any job), why should I subsidise these industries
I'm not a woman, why should I subsidise womens health services.
....................

Do you see the flaw in your argument:p

Olias

Jeff_Bridges_hair

olias wrote: »

Now that is the most ridiculous counter argument I have ever heard!

I pay taxes, but...

I don't use the bus or train, why should I subsidise public transport.
I don't have children, why should I subsidise schools and colleges.
I'm not a steel worker/production line worker/car plant worker (insert, pretty much any job), why should I subsidise these industries
I'm not a woman, why should I subsidise womens health services.
....................

Do you see the flaw in your argument:p

Olias

No there isnt one. You pay those taxes and those subsidies because they go to help people in this country who may be less fortunate then yourself and may need these jobs.

You do not need to go visit a foreign country.If you want to go then you will need a passport which is approved by this government. This costs money from the special inks to the special paper and the electronic chip that goes into making it. It also costs money to make and adminster these through all the checks on you that need to be confirmed that you are who you say you are.

That is what you are paying for.

LillythePink

Yes, it is expensive - I had to renew my passport as I was going away on business, then got married the same year and because my hub booked travel in my married name, I had to pay the whole fee again to change my name.

They could holiday in the UK or even come over to Guernsey or Jersey (like someone else has said) don't need passports just photo ID if they fly or nothing if they come by boat.

Equaliser123

I agree to an extent. But every developed country should have effective border controls and a decent passport system. If they have to pay for that from central funds, then so be it.

hermanmunster_3

why change your name on the passport?

Passports are pricey when you do several for the family at one time, but as an earlier poster said it is only £8 a year.

Rolandtheroadie

winnie81 wrote: »

I agree its expensive and I am in a camp where the tax payers shouldn't subsidise those who travel abroad. Maybe I want best of both worlds :rotfl:

Last year I had to pay for 1 adult renewal, 1 adult first and 4 kids firsts :eek::eek:

Could you/sibling chip in to the cost?

We're uk holiday this year + 4 kids passports to spread the cost. Next year hopefully abroad again.