Full payment up front for in-person appointments now required

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/august/13-premium-booking

At least this puts an end to the silly system of booking online, but then having to phone someone who sends an email to someone else who processes the payment and then sends you a receipt in the mail!

And no more problems with cards getting declined on the day.

Also, for those who don't have the necessary UK credit record to be approved for good credit cards, you can now get a friend to pay for you! I know several people who would be happy to receive £1400 in cash if they could put £1426 (the SET(M) fee) on their airline miles / cashback cards...