Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of compulsory identity verification via One Login on (a) small business owners and (b) people who are digitally excluded.

Identity verification creates a more reliable companies register. This supports small businesses that may have limited resources in due diligence, helping them grow. Verifying the identity of those who run or control companies also protects legitimate businesses and the wider public from those who would abuse the system for criminal purposes.

Companies House has received feedback from users during the voluntary identity verification period and is developing options to support individuals unable to verify their identity through the standard route. Companies House is ensuring that staff are on hand to help users requiring assistance via its helpline and by email.