Today's leading stories include concerns around the number of police investigations closing despite a suspect being identified and allegations of unacceptable delays and costs in the student visa system.
Closed police investigations
The Express reports that one in five police investigations collapsed last year despite a suspect being identified.
According to the paper, the number of cases nationwide closed early, even with a possible offender, has increased to 923,229. This includes violent crimes, sexual offences and robberies.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
We recognise the demands on the police which is why the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have announced the recruitment of 20,000 police officers.
Police funding is already increasing by more than £1 billion this year, including council tax and £100 million for forces worst affected by violent crime. This is helping forces fill key gaps including detectives and Police and Crime Commissioners have committed to recruit over 3,700 additional officers and staff this year.
Visa delays
The Guardian, Independent and Financial Times report on allegations from Universities UK that outsourcing is to blame for “unacceptable” difficulties in the student visa system.
According to the reports, international students and staff in British universities are facing unacceptable difficulties and costs in applying for visas after parts of the application process have been outsourced to French company Sopra Steria.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
We are committed to providing a world class service to people using our visa systems, including students.
We continue to work closely with Sopra Steria to ensure appointments are available at sites across the UK and six new locations were opened during May and June to provide extra capacity for customers.