Written questions, answers and statements

Companies House: Proof of Identity

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Question for Department for Business and Trade

UIN 64258, tabled on 1 July 2025

Question

Graham Leadbitter
Scottish National Party
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Commons

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.

Answer

Justin Madders
Labour
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Commons

Answered on

4 July 2025

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.

Answered by

Department for Business and Trade
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