Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost to the applicant is to the individual of the use the scanning equipment for the EU Settlement Scheme in each of the four centres in Wales.

EU citizens make a huge contribution to our economy and society, and we want them to stay. The EU Settlement Scheme enables them to do so.

The application process for the EU Settlement Scheme is straightforward and user-friendly, and is accessible on any smartphone, tablet or computer using internet browsers.

There are multiple ways to freely have identity documents checked, including using the EU Exit: ID Document Check app or by posting identity documents to the Home Office. There are also over 80 locations nationwide, provided by local authorities, where applicants have their passport scanned and verified.

The ID document scanning service is provided at the discretion of each local authority. The viability and cost of offering the ID document scanning service in each location is a matter for each local authority. There are currently four local authorities participating in Wales; Bridgend, Caerphilly, Ceredigion and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Home Office would encourage as many local authorities as possible to offer this service, and we continue to work with local government bodies across the UK to increase the provision of this service.

Participating local authorities do not receive funding from central Government to provide this service. Charges for using this service, payable directly to the local authority, can be set by the local authority to cover the cost of providing the service. Some local authorities have elected to provide the service for free to residents, whilst others have elected to set a fee.

Bridgend: The service is free of charge to residents of Bridgend County Borough, and costs £14 for non-residents.https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/my-council/council-priorities-and-performance/preparing-for-brexit/

Caerphilly: The cost of the EU Settlement Service is £14 (including VAT). https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/Services/Births,-marriages,-deaths/EU-Settlement-Scheme

Ceredigion: A fee of £14 per transaction will be required. In line with other authorities who deliver this service, Ceredigion County Council Staff are exempt from the fee.https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/news/council-to-provide-support-for-european-union-settlement-scheme-applicants/

Rhondda Cynon Taf (Pontypridd): No fee listed on their website. Assumed free to all users. https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/BirthsMarriagesandDeaths/EUSettlementSchemeIdentityVerification/EUSettlementSchemeIdentityVerification.aspx