South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has launched a service that saves taxpayers’ money and streamlines the process for residents applying for British nationality in the district.
The Nationality Checking Service (NCS) is a voluntary service provided by the council and operated by South Gloucestershire Registration staff trained by the Home Office, which allows those applying for British nationality to submit their completed application form and supporting documents for checking prior to submission to the Home Office. The NCS then sends the completed applications with any certified photocopy documents directly to the Home Office and return the originals to the applicants immediately, rather than them having to wait for the documents to be returned by the Home Office later.
Applicants are charged a fee that covers the running costs of the service.
Experience has shown that applications made through the NCS reduce the administrative burden for the Home Office, saving taxpayers’ money, and result in a quicker decision for potential new citizens.
Cllr Allan Higgs, executive member for corporate affairs, said: “I welcome this new service as it cuts out a lot of the red tape involved in applying for British nationality and saves taxpayers’ money.”
Currently, the service is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the South Gloucestershire Register Office at Poole Court, Yate. The service is open to both residents and non residents, please telephone 01454 863140 for an appointment.
More info: Nationality checking service (SGC)
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
