New Post Office partnership aims to improve access to government services

The Cabinet Office has announced a new partnership with the Post Office to improve access to government services for those who have difficulties getting online.

The Post Office will offer an in-person service to those with lower digital skills to enable them to verify their identity in order to access government services. The move is part of the roll-out of the Gov.uk One Login initiative, which consolidates many different government services, including self-assessment or applying for pension credits, under a single username and password on the government website.

Alex Burghart, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, said:

“While it is essential that government systems keep pace with technological change, we must ensure everyone can access them.

“Figuring out a new online system, and completing identity verification checks, can be daunting.

“That is why we are launching a new partnership with the Post Office to give more people the confidence to use GOV.UK One Login and access the vital services they need.”

Most people will be within 10 miles of a UK Post Office branch that is offering this new in-person identity check for GOV.UK One Login. Prior to the partnership, users of the new service would verify their identity with photo ID and a dedicated smartphone app.

Natalie Jones, Director of Digital Identity from Government Digital Service said:

“People across the UK already visit their local Post Office branch regularly, making them a trusted place to seek advice and support.

“This in-person support will make the process of moving to GOV.UK One Login easier and quicker for many people, simultaneously increasing uptake.

“This partnership is just one of a number of innovations One Login will be rolling out over the next 12 months to increase ease of access to digital services.”

Nick Read, Post Office Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted to be extending our successful relationship with government in the identity services field.

“Post Office is the place for face-to-face identity verification in the UK. We will always remain committed to the principle that no one should be left behind in an increasingly digital world.

“Ensuring we support people and businesses with their identity requirements, whether via our EasyID app, online or in-branch means we are the one stop shop for identity services.”