I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on the 13th June 2019, UIN 262238

The specific information requested is not available.

We offer free points for biometric submission (photo and fingerprints) in the UK through the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) or overseas through Visa Application Centres (VACs).

In the UK, prior to UKVCAS customers were able to submit their biometrics in over 100 Post Office locations. Since the rollout of UKVCAS in November 2018 customers have been able to submit their biometrics and supporting evidence simultaneously through UKVCAS service points which are run by Sopra Steria (SSL) on behalf of UKVI.

There are currently six core sites across the UK at which application submission services are offered for no additional charge on top of that already paid to UKVI and beyond that, a range of enhanced services in a further 50 locations. The UKVCAS core service points offer appointments up to 35 days in advance and free appointments are available Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 16:00. Any appointments outside these times, and those at enhanced service points, are subject to additional charges.

Overseas, in 99 Visa Application Centres (VACs) across 57 countries, VFS Global and TLS Connect offer customers application submission services for no additional charge on top of the visa application fee.

In 149 locations across 105 countries, customers have the option of attending a premium only centre or submitting their biometrics through a User Pay VAC, all of which incur an additional fee. Both commercial partners allow customers to book appointments within a four week rolling window and appointments outside of core hours are subject to additional charges.

Sopra Steria Limited (SSL) deliver the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UK VCAS) on behalf of UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).

UKVI are currently working closely with SSL, and in consultation with the education sector, to plan effectively for the increase in student applications in the Autumn. To manage the high volume of applications successfully, SSL plan to take the following measures:

 Increasing capacity at core and enhanced service points during the surge period
 Student-only appointment days at some service points including the Premium Lounge
 University-hosted enhanced service points
 Customised services for smaller institutions

UKVI have provided SSL with historical data based on in country demand for student applications to assist planning and will work with the education sector to extend the period for making applications.

In 2016, there were four locations in Wales providing UK Visa and Immigration biometric services. These were branches of Post Office Limited, in Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Llandudno and Port Talbot.

We are transitioning to new arrangements for biometric capture and so there are currently seven locations in Wales providing UK Visa and Immigration biometric services.

These consist of:
• two Post Office Limited branches (Llandudno and Port Talbot);
• four locations run by our commercial partner Sopra Steria under the name of UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (one free to use (Cardiff) and three enhanced and fee-paid centres (Llandudno, Newport and Cardiff Bay); and
• one UKVI office known as a “Service and Support Centre” (Cardiff).

The two Post Offices are scheduled to stop offering this service in the coming weeks as the contract between Post Office and UKVI will end.

It is not possible to assess trends in availability of appointments at UK Visa and Immigration biometric services in each year from 2016 to 2019. In 2016, applicants to UKVI did not make an appointment to provide biometrics to UK Visas and Immigration. UKVI sent a letter to customers which asked them to attend a branch of Post Office Limited at a convenient time, within 7 working days.

From November 2018, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) was launched. This new service requires applicants to make an appointment. Appointments are available for free in 6 major cities, and there are an additional 56 local user-pay service centres located in libraries, and 1 premium lounge.

In March 2019, the Service and Support Centres (SSCs) began capturing biometrics, again requiring an appointment to be made. There are seven SSCs located in major cities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Home Office regularly engages with the education sector on a range of operational issues, primarily through the Education Advisory Group.

Facial recognition software takes two main forms. The first compares an image of an unknown person (for example caught on CCTV committing a crime, reviewed after the event) against a database of facial images of people who have been arrested. All police forces use the Police National Database facial search facility.

The second form is live facial recognition (LFR), which compares images of passers-by taken from live cameras with images on a watch list (a database of suspects). The Metropolitan Police Service and South Wales Police are piloting LFR. The pilots are important to test this technology, which has the potential to improve public safety. Both forces have commissioned independent reviews of the pilots.

The Law Enforcement Facial Images and New Biometric Modalities Oversight and Advisory Board oversees the police use of LFR, the retention of custody images, and emerging new biometrics. The Board’s minutes are published on GOV.UK

Physical security assessments have been completed by both UK Visa and Immigration and Sopra Steria to assess the risk of placing UKVI biometric services in local libraries under the contract with Sopra Steria.

Sopra Steria has carried out detailed due diligence visits in person to each venue to assess the physical environment, security, public access, and suitability for the service. Modifications have been made where required.

As libraries already deliver a range of services to the public; they are monitored by the risk and security assessments of the Local Authority.

The staff who will be carrying out the biometric data appointments have all been security cleared with recent Disclosure Barring Services and Baseline Personnel Security Standard accreditation.

Specialist training has been delivered to staff in the library venues.

Home Office Security have approved and granted Authority to Operate in local libraries.

There will be 2 libraries in South Wales who will host UKVI services under the contract for the provision of those services by Sopra Steria. The 2 locations will be;

Cardiff main library, The Hayes CF10 1FL.

Newport Central library, John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PA.

There will be 3 libraries in Wales who will host UKVI services under the contract for the provision of those services by Sopra Steria. The 3 locations will be Cardiff, Newport and Llandudno.

The Sopra Steria contract for delivery of UKVI services commences on 9th November 2018 and will roll out nationally throughout the rest of November.

During November 2018, we will offer relevant customers the choice between using the new Sopra Steria service or the existing arrangements through Post Office Limited.