It's become unfashionable to praise Britain's public services. So it's a pleasure to celebrate the truly outstanding service I received from the Identity & Passport Service last week.

My passport was about to expire. I needed to get a replacement in time for a business trip at the beginning of February. But I couldn't find the old passport anywhere.

I called the Identity & Passport Service. I was told they were running a trial under which I could report the loss there and then over the phone, saving the bother of filling in an extra form. When I asked for an appointment at the London passport office, I was given exactly the time I asked for. The appointment took place bang on time. And my passport arrived less than two days later – well within the seven days promised.

i'm sure that January is a quiet time for passport applications, but this was outstanding public service, and an example for any organisation, public or private. Sadly, the coalition government's savage cuts are likely to mean that things can only get worse.