Money Moral Dilemma: Should I charge for countersigning my friends' passport photos?

MSE_Sarah
MSE_Sarah Posts: 327 MSE Staff
First Anniversary Photogenic First Post I've been Money Tipped!
in Marriage, relationships & families
This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...
I recently became a police officer and was asked by a friend to countersign her passport photos, as I fall under their list of 'professionals' who can do this. Now other friends are asking the same, as their GPs charge up to £40 to do it. At first, I just thought of it as doing my friend a favour, but if it's something lots of people will ask, should I be paid for the time it takes to dig out my passport and fill out the form?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

:idea: If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply!

:huh: Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? [URL="mailto: mmd@moneysavingexpert.com"]Suggest an MMD[/URL].
[purplesignup][/purplesignup]
Follow MSE on other Social Media: MSE Facebook, MSE Twitter, MSE Deals Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Join the MSE ForumGet the Free MoneySavingExpert Money Tips E-mailReport inappropriate posts: click the report buttonFlag a news story: news@moneysavingexpert.com
«134567…11

Comments

  • DigForVictory
    DigForVictory Posts: 11,906 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Photogenic First Post
    If you don't mind being that useful friend, you can get on and help.

    If you don't want to, agree but say up front you charge.
  • chesky
    chesky Posts: 1,341 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post
    How many 'friends' does this person have?
  • warby68
    warby68 Posts: 3,021 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    chesky wrote: »
    How many 'friends' does this person have?

    More than he/she will have once they start charging for their 5 minutes of time and pen ink.
  • maman
    maman Posts: 28,581 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    They say that these daft mse generated threads are sent in by people who would rather not post themselves.

    With a ridiculous question like this I'm not surprised. Surely the clue is in the word friend.

    Perhaps we should press Spam on all these mse pointless threads. There can be no discussion. Do you think Jack Cork works for mse?
  • pollypenny
    pollypenny Posts: 29,393 Forumite
    Name Dropper Photogenic First Anniversary First Post
    Good lord, some friend to even think about it! :(

    Teachers sign loads of passports and never think of charging pupils, let alone friends!
    Member #14 of SKI-ers club

    Words, words, they're all we have to go by!.

    (Pity they are mangled by this autocorrect!)
  • ska_lover
    ska_lover Posts: 3,773 Forumite
    Combo Breaker First Post
    Oh dear, Hope you never need a favour!
    The opposite of what you know...is also true
  • davethorp
    davethorp Posts: 1,577 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary
    No you shouldn’t

    /thread
  • davethorp
    davethorp Posts: 1,577 Forumite
    First Post First Anniversary
    Incidentally GPs can only sign for passports these days if they know the person outside of their work. Doubt they’ll charge £40 a pop to their friends

    So there is your answer
  • Lorian
    Lorian Posts: 5,706 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Photogenic
    as I fall under their list of 'professionals' who can do this.

    Anyone of "good standing in their community" can sign.

    https://www.gov.uk/countersigning-passport-applications
  • Mattandcraig
    Mattandcraig Posts: 1 Newbie
    You might want to check that your force allows you to do this. I’ve been in the force for a long time and it’s no longer allowed for police officers to sign these.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173K Life & Family
  • 247.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards