Companies House GDS Saga continues

 You really couldn't make this up!

Companies House "system" to check the on-line identity of  Directors and persons of significant control relies on Gov.uk to perform that validation.  When you attempt to use this system you end up with web pages marked as "Beta" version. In the systems development world Beta version software is that which you think mostly works, but you might find bugs where we haven't tested/fixed fully.  It is not production quality software.

When you send an email to the GDS (GOV.UK) support team you get a response within a day, but it says you may have to wait up to 15 days* to get a response from them! 15 Days when all they'll say is "try again".  It sounds like an IT system in serious trouble.  

The Minister responsible for the GOV.UK should get his sleeves rolled up and get things fixed.  The UK Government Minister responsible for GOV.UK is the Minister for the Cabinet Office, as GOV.UK is managed by the Government Digital Service (GDS), which sits within the Cabinet Office. The current Minister for the Cabinet Office, as of the latest available information, is Pat McFadden MP (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster).

For Companies House the ultimate responsible Minister is the current Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Business, Energy and Corporate Responsibility) at the Department for Business and Trade, with responsibility for Companies House, is Justin Madders. He was appointed to this role on 9 July 2024.

31st July 2025 Edit:

After the Companies House "Escalations" Team refused to escalate the case, we've submited a detailed complaint dossier (35 Pages) to the Chief Executive (Ms Smyth) at Companies House  with the request to pass it on to their independent adjudicators.  We've emphasised that this problem may affect many company directors when the process becomes mandatory in Sept 2025.

We're compiling a similar dossier for the responses from GDS. 

*Edit: 6th Aug 2025

The projected 15 days wait, turned out to be 57 days wait for a response. The usual unhelpful nonsense:

• We are unable to tell you why your validation failed;
• Our system doesn't always work, go and pay an Account/Solicitor to validate your Identity.

We sent a response rejecting their tardy reply. Reminding them of the tsunami of potential complaints when other directors try to use their system. We've asked them to furnish  us with details of their complaints process.

Could it be that GDS are using AI to decide the validity of passport details, selfie scans?  It would explain why they are unable to explain why my application was rejected without giving a reason. Parhaps this is why they are reticent in responding to my Subject Access Request.

Companies House Woes - Gov.UK One Login - Continued

 I've reached the point where I'm making no progress with Companies House Customer Support. on the lockout of my Digital Id Verification. I've asked Companies House to escalate my complaint to the Head of Operational Delivery for a final internal review.

If that does not resolve the issue, the next step will be escalation to independent adjudicators. If that fails it is then referral to the Ombudsman via my MP.

It appears that this problem is not unique to me, and other people have similar problems.

 Source: perplexity.ai 25^th June 2025

Reported Problems with Companies House Login and ID Verification

There have been multiple reports of issues with the Companies House login and identity verification process, particularly since the introduction of the new GOV.UK One Login system.

Commonly Reported Issues

• Password Reset and Login Failures: Users have experienced difficulties resetting their passwords, even when following the specified criteria (e.g., password length, use of symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters). Some users repeatedly encounter error messages such as "there is a problem" despite meeting all requirements123.

• Technical Errors: Frequent technical issues are reported, including error messages like “An error occurred on client” during login attempts. These errors can persist across multiple browsers and devices23.

• Browser Compatibility: The Companies House website sometimes fails to function correctly on certain browsers, with Chrome being specifically mentioned as problematic. Users have found that switching browsers or devices can sometimes resolve the issue, though this is not always reliable123.

• Account Activation and ID Verification Confusion: New requirements for identity verification and the need to create additional logins (on top of previous Companies House and Government Gateway accounts) have caused confusion. Some users are unsure how to proceed and have reported a lack of clear guidance from Companies House4.

• Third-Party Charges and Workarounds: Due to technical difficulties and unclear instructions, some users have resorted to paying third parties to complete the ID verification process, with fees ranging from £75 to £250. Others have been given unofficial workarounds by Companies House support, such as accessing older login screens to bypass current issues43.

• Delayed or Non-Functional Password Reset Links: Users have reported that password reset links either arrive late or do not work, leading to further frustration and inability to access their accounts3.

• Access and Filing Delays: These login and verification issues have led to delays in accessing important documents and completing required filings, which can have significant business implications3.

Official Guidance and Support

Companies House provides online guidance and suggests:

• Using different browsers and ensuring they are up to date.

• Clearing browser cache and cookies.

• Contacting Companies House support if problems persist.

• For those unable to verify online, in-person verification at a Post Office is available25.

Summary Table of Issues

Issue Type	Description	Reported Solutions
Password/Reset Failures	Passwords meeting criteria still rejected; reset links not working	Try different browsers/devices; contact support123
Technical Errors	Error messages during login or verification	Clear cache/cookies; report to support23
Browser Compatibility	Chrome and others sometimes fail; device-dependent issues	Switch browsers or devices123
ID Verification Confusion	Multiple logins required; unclear instructions	Refer to official guidance; seek support45
Third-Party Fees	Some pay accountants/third parties due to confusion or technical issues	N/A
Filing Delays	Login issues cause delays in document access and submissions	Workarounds; contact support3

Conclusion

There are widespread, documented problems with the Companies House login and ID verification process. These include technical glitches, browser compatibility issues, confusing instructions, and difficulties with password resets and account activation. While Companies House offers some guidance and support, many users find the process frustrating and, in some cases, are forced to seek paid assistance or use unofficial workarounds1243.

1. https://www.reddit.com/r/smallbusinessuk/comments/1l38pz5/anyone_else_having_issues_with_getting_into/

2. https://forbusiness.net/companies-house-login/problems/

3. https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/any-answers/companies-house-log-in-problems

4. https://moneyweek.com/personal-finance/companies-house-id-checks-confusion

5. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house

6. https://identity.company-information.service.gov.uk/identity-verification/direct/has-identity-been-verified

7. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/companies-house-faqs-address-fraud-and-correcting-the-register/

8. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house

9. https://jakelee.co.uk/verifying-identity-on-companies-house-with-one-login/

10. https://ewf.companieshouse.gov.uk/help/en/stdwf/faqHelp.html

Companies House Woes - Gov.UK One Login

 Blocked by Bureaucracy: A Cautionary Tale of Digital Identity Verification Gone Wrong

In early June 2025, I attempted to complete a new legal requirement: verifying my identity with Companies House under their recently introduced rules for company directors. As a British citizen with a valid UK passport and a longstanding directorship record, I expected this to be straightforward.

Instead, I found myself locked out of the process due to flawed system design, zero accountability, and a rigid reliance on automation that offers no escape hatch when it fails.

A System That Denies Access

Companies House now mandates that directors verify their identity through GOV.UK One Login, managed by the Government Digital Service (GDS). There are three free verification routes:

1. The ID Check app (passport + facial recognition),

2. The Post Office route, and

3. Security questions (offered only in some cases).

I attempted the ID Check app. It failed without explanation. When I logged back into GOV.UK One Login, I was told the Post Office route was not available. I retained a screenshot of this notice. I was not given the option to proceed at a local branch, and the “security questions” route was also never offered.

In effect, I was blocked from all free options — by the system itself — with no clarity, no workaround, and no appeal.

No Help, No Override, No Responsibility

Companies House confirmed to me in writing that:

• They are not told why a verification attempt fails,

• They cannot reset or enable other routes,

• They suggest using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — a paid agent — as the only remaining option.

In other words: "We required you to verify, we outsourced it to a third-party system, and now we can't help you."

The Cost of Bad Design

My accountant, a registered ACSP, offered to complete the verification for £70 + VAT — a fair professional rate. But the issue is bigger than cost. The government has created a legal obligation, delivered through a system that can quietly fail legitimate users, and offers no backup plan.

This is not a technical hiccup — it's a governance failure. Companies House implemented a rigid, automated process without defining how to support valid users when the system fails. No manual override. No human review. No accountability.

What I’ve Done So Far

• Submitted formal complaints to Companies House and GDS,

• Sent Subject Access Requests (SARs) to both under UK GDPR, requesting all data and logic used in the identity decision,

• Maintained a detailed timeline of interactions and failures.

What Comes Next

If the matter isn’t resolved, I will escalate to:

• The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for possible data rights violations,

• The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, for systemic maladministration,

• And my MP, to raise questions about public accountability.

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🧭 Lessons for Others

If you're a UK director and your verification fails or is blocked:

• Keep evidence (screenshots, emails, dates),

• Submit a SAR — you have a right to know how your data was processed,

• Challenge the process — don’t accept silence from a system that was designed without safeguards.

Important Update 6th Aug 2025

Issue: Despite the voluntary IDV period starting April 8, 2025, only about 200,000 out of 7 million individuals (less than 3%) have verified their identities so far, suggesting low awareness or reluctance.

Impact: The low uptake could lead to a last-minute rush as the November 18, 2025, mandatory deadline approaches, potentially causing delays in filings, rejections of incorporations, or penalties for non-compliance. Non-compliance is a criminal offence, with risks including fines, disqualification, or public annotations on the register that could harm a company’s reputation and access to finance or insurance.