|
In 2006, to comply with the US Visa Waiver Programme and other international requirements and to strengthen border controls, the UK made a successful transition from digital to electronic passports (ePassports). An ePassport contains an electronic chip storing biographical data and a digital facial image of the passport holder. Further significant change is planned from 2009 with the advent of new second generation ePassports incorporating the fingerprints of the passport holder.
Passport fees have risen ahead of inflation since September 2003 to fund ePassport technology and other projects intended to improve the security of the UK passport. Since October 2006, the adult passport fee of £66 has included around £6 paid by all applicants to fund from 2007 the introduction of interviews for all adult, first time passport applicants. From 2009 all passport applicants will have to attend in person to provide fingerprints for inclusion in second generation ePassports. The set-up cost of data collection, validation and storage necessary to introduce these changes will be substantial.
During 2007 the Identity and Passport Service has been gradually introducing personal interviews at its 69 new interviewing offices for first time adult passport applicants. With the exception of those living in remote locations (where special arrangements will apply) at least one of the 69 offices is intended to be within an hour's travel by public or private transport for 95% of the UK population. But elderly and disabled people may still face difficulties in making the journey. With the introduction of second generation ePassports, all applicants will need to attend a local office to give their fingerprints.
The long term durability of the chip embedded in the ePassport book is unproven and there is public uncertainty about whether, if the chip breaks through normal use before the passport expires, the passport holder will need to fund the cost of a replacement.
On the basis of a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General,[1] the Committee examined the Identity and Passport Service on how lessons learnt from the introduction of ePassports will be incorporated into future projects; the cost of authenticating applicants' identities; passport fee trends; the measures being taken by the Identity and Passport Service to hold down passport fees; and working with others to reduce costs and improve border security.
| 
