Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 37
37
Not Addressed
Home Office lacks reliable data on sponsor licence processing, causing recruitment delays.
Conclusion
The Home Office has met its service standards for processing sponsor licences within eight weeks, with the average processing time falling from 44 days in 2023 to 34 days in 2024.104 However, the Home Office does not have reliable data on the distribution of processing times, which means it does not fully understand its performance.105 Written evidence from the Homecare Association, Care England, the Confederation of British Industry and ILPA indicates that sponsors face major problems with delays, impacting their ability to recruit efficiently. 106
Government Response Summary
The government's response outlines its commitment to delivering an immigration system and testing a new sponsorship system, along with investing in the existing one. However, it does not directly address the committee's observation about the lack of reliable data on processing times for sponsor licences or understanding its performance.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.6 Home Office remain committed to delivering an immigration system that is properly managed and controlled and is testing a partial version of a new sponsorship system. Before deciding to expand this pilot more widely, the department will evaluate its performance to ensure value to the taxpayer. 6.7 Home Office continue to invest in maintaining and upgrading its existing sponsorship system. This supports its goal for a financially sustainable system which delivers for the UK public.