GOV.UK Verify went live in May 2016 as the new safer, simpler and faster way of accessing central government services online. The Government Digital Services (GDS) department has since been exploring how this initiative can be extended to local authorities and have announced the selection of two initial services to pilot:
- Older people’s concessionary travel
- Residents’ parking permits
These were chosen following broad consultation across the sector as services that lots of local authorities are looking to transform – and both could benefit from using GOV.UK Verify.
Infoshare has worked closely with Warwickshire County Council and they are leading the way on the Blue Badge pilot. It is clear that a number of authorities will be able to take the learning and benefits from Warwickshire, apply them to these other pilots and help lead the way for other authorities to follow.
GOV.UK Verify is presenting opportunities through this initiative that should be fully embraced, including a chance to define the business case and benefits, as well as to work hand-in-hand with GDS.