Can't speak for Birmingham, Ruby ... but Myrna booked her appointment with the Glasgow PEO online, and managed to get a slot within a couple of weeks. Not bad ... considering it's the only UKBA premises in Scotland. ... I suppose a lot depends on their turnover. Just make sure you take along ALL the documents needed and everything should be fine. Staff were friendly ... and ... YES ... you CAN pay by Debit Card - once the decision's been made - which is a much better arrangement than the system used at the British Embassy in Manila! Good Luck!