Treasury approves continuation of government support for Gov.UK Verify operations for up to 18 months

Continued support marks delay to plans for private sector to take over responsibility, triggered by ‘unprecedented demand for key online services using digital identity such as universal credit’

The Treasury has approved a request from the Cabinet Office to continue government support for Gov.UK Verify operations for up to 18 months.

In a written statement to Parliament last week, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove provided an update on the Verify identity assurance programme. Having highlighted that the government’s plans - for the private sector to take over financial responsibility for the Verify service after an 18 month contract period (as outlined in a written statement on 9 October 2018) - have been amended, Mr Gove advised that -

‘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.’

Mr Gove’s written statement is available from parliament.uk