Cancelled ILR refund taking forever

[mashandmaple]

We cancelled an ILR application the day after submitting due to wanting to submit again but with the premium service. The second premium application was approved and that's all fine.

Since we cancelled the first application before the biometric appointment we are due for a full refund. Went through the proper channel and waited the requited 8 weeks. Called up the helpline after no refund and we're given an escalation number. Waited the required 2 weeks and no refund. Called helpline again and they put it through again under a new escalation number.

How long is this meant to take? Has anyone had success with a refund from the Home Office? It's been over 3 months now. The helpline people say that they don't do the refund, it goes to a different finance team and they're unable to see the status. They say we've given all the correct details and there's nothing else we, or they, can do.

Another two weeks will have passed soon and I guess I'll call them again...

[secret.simon]

Be aware that the helpdesk is not staffed by Home Office staff, but is outsourced to a third party contractor.

There would be very little that they or you can do, apart from wait.