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<p>A large backlog of expired or new passes has built up during the pandemic and systems
and plans are in place to deal with this once the COVID-19 restrictions start to ease.
Extensive communications are going out to all passholders to remind them to check
the expiry date on their pass before they return, and to send in a renewal application
if it has expired or will expire shortly.</p><p>An appointments system has been introduced
for anyone returning to the Parliamentary estate who needs to collect a pass, so that
the flow of people into the Pass Issuing Offices can be managed in a way that avoids
long queues and respects social distancing. A new Pass Issuing Office is expected
to open shortly, which will double the number of customer services desks currently
offered by the two existing Pass Issuing Offices. The new Office will ultimately replace
one of the existing Offices, however all three will remain open over the summer to
help manage any peaks in demand that may arise as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.</p><p>Consideration
is being given to extending the opening hours of the Pass Issuing Offices during periods
of high demand, and contingency arrangements, such as opening desks in Portcullis
House and other locations on the estate to issue renewal passes if the Issuing Offices
risk being overwhelmed, are also being considered.</p><p>These measures will be kept
under review as access restrictions change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>
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