Statement
I would like to update the House on the GOV.UK Verify programme and the provision of digital identity services to government, following the WMS of October 2018 by the former Minister for Implementation, Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP.
As you will know, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented demand for key online services using digital identity such as Universal Credit. In this light, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has given approval to the Cabinet Office to continue GOV.UK Verify operations for up to a further 18 months.
The Government has also taken steps to bolster the resilience of the service which is facing an unprecedented level of usage.
During this time the Government will continue to update the House on our broader work as it progresses.
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This statement has also been made in the House of Lords