Local MP slams Immigration Advisory charges

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 14th May 2008

Local MP Tim Farron has criticised the Government over the excessive amount the Immigration Advisory Service is charging for an appointment with an adviser over immigration issues. In the past the Immigration Advisory Service had offered all appointments for free, however since the 1st of April 2004 clients have been required to provide information on their financial situation and will then be assessed accordingly. In some cases people have been charged over £100 per appointment with an adviser.

Mr Farron has written to the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith to ask if there are any plans to return to the system of free appointments.

Tim Farron said:

"Experiencing problems with an immigration case is a traumatic enough experience in itself without the extra financial burden that this system creates.

"To charge over £100 for an appointment that up until four years ago was completely free seems wrong. I have written to the Home Secretary in the hope that she might consider revising these plans."