| answer text |
<p>EU citizens make a huge contribution to our economy and society, and we want them
to stay. The EU Settlement Scheme enables them to do so and over 3 million people
have now made applications, to which more than 2.7 million have been granted status.</p><p>The
application process for the EU Settlement Scheme is straightforward and user-friendly,
and is accessible on any smartphone, tablet or computer using internet browsers.</p><p>There
are multiple ways to have identity documents checked, including using the EU Exit:
ID Document Check app or by posting identity documents to the Home Office. There are
also over 100 locations nationwide, provided by local authorities, where applicants
have their passport scanned and verified.</p><p>The ID document scanning service is
provided at the discretion of each local authority. The viability and cost of offering
the ID document scanning service in each location is a matter for each local authority.
There are currently seven local authorities participating in Wales; Bridgend, Caerphilly,
Cardiff, Ceredigion, Conway, Gwynedd and Rhondda Cynon Taf.</p><p>The Home Office
would encourage as many local authorities as possible to offer this service, and we
continue to work with local government bodies across the UK to increase the provision
of this service.</p><p>Participating local authorities do not receive funding from
central Government to provide this service. Charges for using this service, payable
directly to the local authority, can be set to cover the cost of providing the service.
Some local authorities have elected to provide the service for free to residents,
whilst others have elected to set a fee.</p><p>The Home Office has a range of structures
in place nationally to support the most vulnerable people in making their application
to the EU Settlement scheme, including up to £9 million grant funding for 57 voluntary
and community organisations. This includes funding allocated to charities in Wales.</p><p>The
EUSS Grant Scheme was set up as a result of extensive engagement with voluntary and
community sector organisations representing different vulnerable groups. We continue
to engage with stakeholders to ensure appropriate support is in place for vulnerable
applicants.</p>
|
|
