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Entry Clearances

Volume 460: debated on Tuesday 22 May 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies have been undertaken for the purpose of reducing the cost of processing in-country applications. (127403)

The Home Office is committed to controlling the underlying costs for processing in-country immigration and nationality applications. The Border and Immigration Agency has taken forward a number of operational reviews across the business following the recommendations of the Gershon Review and to secure continuous improvement in business processes. We intend to continue this programme to deliver better service for applicants and reduce operating costs. Overall, the Home Office has exceeded its target to achieve Value for Money improvements to the value of £1,970 million, of which £1,240 million is cashable by 2007-08. That includes £551 million savings made in the Border and Immigration Agency.