All the evidence one needs is in the document here....2nd page...written by Damian Green...
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...s-feb-2012.pdf

He also has openly said that some visas are charged over the cost....so they aren't hiding it.



"Fees will increase by only 2 per cent in the majority of cases, but there will be higher increases on certain routes." I.E. the family routes....

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...-fees-proposed


It was plastered through the press aswell I seem to recall. On fairness, I don't think that is fair. Our visas fees are subsidising other things / services / fees or whatever.