Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2006.

British Citizenship

Question: To whom a person resident in Hong Kong should write asking for recompense if he or she has suffered financial loss as a result of an erroneous refusal of an application for British citizenship by the Home Office; what details that person should include with her request; and whether they will place in the Library of the House the criteria or guidelines against which any such application is assessed.

Answer: Customers seeking recompense in such circumstances should write to: IND Customer Focus Team 11th Floor West Wing Block C, Whitgift Centre Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 1 AT Full details should be provided of the financialloss incurred. When deciding whether a payment of compensation should be made, reference is made to the Government Accounting manual, which exists to ensure the proper handling of public funds. The general principle is that where there has been maladministration on the part of the IND redress will be provided, which is fair and reasonable, in light of all the facts and circumstances of the case. Any payment of compensation is not a legal entitlement and may be subject to approval by the Treasury. Each application for compensation is considered on its merits. A hard copy of the Government Accounting manual is published by The Stationery Office. It can also be accessed online via www.government-accounting.gov.uk or through the HM Treasury website www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8102; 686 c167-8WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Compensation Applications British nationality Hong Kong Maladministration Immigration and Nationality Directorate
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk