News

MP warns people about passport advice firms

Published

12 years ago

December 12, 2013

MP STEPHEN CRABB is warning constituents about online passport advice firms who charge people for information and services that are available free from HM Passport Office.

A number of unofficial, online “checking” services are charging people to have their passport applications checked online. They use information that is free from official Government websites to check that passport applications are filled out correctly and then charge a hefty fee for this service.

These sites often look like official Government websites and appear near to the top of search engine results. Unsuspecting consumers are therefore led to believe that they are paying for the full cost of processing and submitting their passport application, only to find that official fees are still outstanding when they go to collect their passport.

Stephen recently visited the Passport Office in Newport with Home Office Immigration Minister, Mark Harper MP. During the visit, Stephen heard of many cases of people unwittingly paying third party firms for free information to renew their passports. In some cases, customers’ passports were not passed on to the Passport Office, despite being charged for a checking service.

Speaking from Westminster, Stephen Crabb said:

“As people increasingly rely on the internet to access services, some third parties have taken advantage of people looking to save time by doing their admin online. The branding and advertising of these websites looks very legitimate and it has clearly been very easy for firms to make a profit from charging for information that is available free online.

“When I visited the Passport Office in Newport, I heard the personal stories of countless people who had fallen victim to the scam. Many had paid out hundreds of pounds to renew family passports, only to find that they had in fact paid for free information and that the official fees were outstanding.”

The Government is now working closely with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to ensure these sites do not mislead the customer into believing they are dealing with an official site. They have imposed strict fines on the sites and have warned companies to provide an up-front message that they are not acting on behalf of HM Passport Office. HM Passport Office will also make a formal complaint to the ASA about sites that are continuing to deceive consumers.

Stephen added: “I’ve heard first-hand from constituents the real difficulty and distress these scam advice firms have caused. It is unacceptable that these companies should be able to charge for free information and trick people out of their hard-earned money. I am pleased that the Government is taking tough action by fining these firms and forcing them to state clearly that they are not an official website.”

If you need to renew or apply for a new passport, use HM Passport Office website, which has all the information required to make your application.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport

Alternatively, your local Post Office will be able to advise you on the application process.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

53 minutes ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.

News

Welsh Secretary holds first call with new First Minister

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Jo Stevens and Rhun ap Iorwerth discuss poverty, public services, clean energy, steelmaking and economic growth

WELSH Secretary Jo Stevens has held her first call with Wales’ new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth following the recent Senedd election.

The call took place today, Monday (May 18), with Ms Stevens congratulating Mr ap Iorwerth on Plaid Cymru’s election results and his appointment as First Minister.

The Welsh Secretary said it was important for the UK and Welsh Governments to work constructively together on shared priorities.

Those issues include the cost of living, poverty, public services, economic growth and the delivery of clean energy infrastructure in Wales.

Ms Stevens also raised the importance of collaboration on Welsh steelmaking and the transition at Port Talbot, as well as growth funds, defence and national security.

The conversation follows a call last week between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new First Minister, during which Mr Starmer also congratulated him on his appointment.

The Prime Minister has offered to meet Mr ap Iorwerth in person in June to discuss shared issues and priorities.