Secretary of State for the Home Department (Theresa May):

In June, following exceptional demand for passport applications and renewals, I asked the Permanent Secretary of the Home Office to commission 2 reviews to ensure that HM Passport Office is run in as efficient and accountable a manner as possible. I have considered the outcome of those reviews and relevant Cabinet Office guidance. On 1 October, HM Passport Office ceased to be an executive agency of the Home Office and now reports directly to ministers.

On 26 September, I wrote to the chairmen of the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Public Accounts Committee to notify them of my decision. A new director general of HM Passport Office will be appointed, taking on HM Passport Office responsibilities, including civil registration.