Is it worth emailing them .

And it was a certain chap called Kuya that used this approach a couple of times.

Here is an example:

http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?threads/ukba-freedom-of-information-requests.6475/

www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statistics-on-changes-in-migrants-visa-and-leave-status-2015


Last updated April 2018 next update May 2018

Hopefully, does it mean it’s been handed to officer to at some point get through just they scanned it.

When I received my hubby's passport back, it was written in the letter that they've already obtained a copy.

It will all be down to the new Home Secretary now.

No political inference intended.

Our application wasn't too complex, other than I have my own company, so proof of earning took a lot of paperwork..
it was basically the same application as our first one (as @bigmac has explained) but with additional evidence that my wife is his soul guardian, ie school reports, doctors records, dental records, letter from the local priest to confirm they attend church together...
Our first applications (Wife & Stepson) was decided within the 60 working days (17th Oct 2017 to 8th Jan 2018), this current application was sumitted 31st Jan 2018... so far it is taking longer... maybe people off with flu or holidays etc, hopefully not too much longer.

So we got our documents back with the generic email and letter,

Your online application has been received at the UK Decision Making Centre. Your application is currently being prepared for consideration by an Entry Clearance Officer.

So let’s see how long we are on the 37th working day. Let’s hope we get the decision in the 60 working days period.

Good luck

Atleast you know now that they received it. Goodluck!