Fees and Consumer Protection

[vkn]

I rang the HO this morning to ask a question that has been bugging me: Why do you have to pay a fee when you make an application? They confirmed that the fee is to cover the consideration of the application itself, rather than any documentation at the end of the consideration.
So, has anyone ever challenged the HO under any type of Consumer Protection Law? If we are paying for a SERVICE, then if the service is unsatisfactory (I'm British, my husband is African - 2 1/2 years and no reply regarding ILR) surely we have a right to complain to/about the HO just as we would if any other service provider was so slow and withheld any information regarding timescales?
Any thoughts?

[John]

Under legislation clearly there on the Statute Book the Home Office is well able to charge fees for the consideration of visa applications, both outside the UK and inside the UK.

I think the poor service you have been given is a separate issue. What have you done to try to put pressure on IND? Been in touch with your MP? Written to the Complaints Unit at IND?

Do you want to post a bit more detail about your husband's UK immigration situation? And indeed your status .... are you British?

[Jeff Albright]

Yes of course you can complain under the Consumer Rights.
My case has been f**ed up in 1999 but I did not pay for their services at the time. They lost my passport and after continuous lobbying they finally agreed to pay compensation. I am still fighting with them regarding my application that they claimed they never had. They are still very stubborn about it.
The best way is to complain yourself first, then involve your MP and then, if that does not help, Ombudsman.