The difference in price is amazing if you are applying from overseas. Anyone any idea as to why there is such a big difference?
Edit in ... I found the answer .... except I'm not really any the wiser ... it's as if they are charging for the passport being issued overseas.
"There are three components to passport application fees:
the costs incurred in administering passport applications (this forms most of the fee);
the costs of providing consular assistance to British citizens overseas (known as the ‘consular premium’); and
the costs of providing assistance to British citizens overseas in the event of unexpected emergencies (known as the ‘emergency consular premium’).10
The fees are reviewed on an annual basis. The IPS sets the fee for passport applications made in the UK, in conjunction with HM Treasury. The IPS cannot make a profit from the application fee; nor is it allowed to operate at a loss.11
The fees for British passports issued overseas are also set on a full cost recovery basis (calculated on the basis of the staff, accommodation and overhead costs proportionate to the average time taken worldwide to provide the service) and scrutinised by HM Treasury.12 The same fee applies in all countries, but it must be paid in the local currency, so the exact charge may fluctuate depending on the official consular exchange rate."