Department for Business and Trade written question – answered at on 4 July 2025.
Graham Leadbitter
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Transport), Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Science, Innovation and Technology), Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy Security and Net Zero)
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the accessibility of the new Companies House identity verification system; who pays for the third-party ID verification service connected to that system; and what the annual cost is for that system.
Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Companies House identity verification (IDV) system is provided by GOV.UK One Login (‘the service’) delivered by the Government Digital Service (GDS).
Inclusivity and accessibility is a top priority. The service offers simple online content, in-person IDV at the Post Office where appropriate and contact centre assistance. Regular user research and testing with people from various backgrounds and needs ensures the service works for as many people as possible.
Some parts of the service are provided by third-parties. The service is centrally funded to provide IDV across central government, including Companies House
As an alternative, Companies House accepts IDV via Authorised Corporate Service Providers.
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Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.