The new CAP Information Service will make managing an application simple and effective without the need to fill in paper forms.
We have been gradually inviting customers to try the beta version – this is a first version of a new service designed to be easier to use than the services they replace. During the beta phase we are gathering feedback from customers and data to make further improvements – it is not a finished product.
The service will keep changing and improving as we introduce new parts and amend others based on customers’ comments. Once we are satisfied this feedback has been addressed we will continue to increase the number of customers invited to register.
GOV.UK Verify is the new online security system that checks and protects your identity so that customers can use the CAP Information Service safely – so we know you are who you say you are, and only give access to you. This is also a new beta service and improvements are being made all the time based on feedback we’re receiving from farming customers and industry stakeholders.
GOV.UK Verify is secure, and once you’ve registered you can access an increasing number of government services using the same account.
Currently there is just one certified company providing GOV.UK Verify, more certified companies will come online in the near future.
We know from customer feedback not everyone is getting through GOV.UK Verify at this stage - we're using feedback from customers to continue to develop and improve the service.
Nobody is excluded from the service if they can’t register. The certified companies have telephone helplines you can call if you have problems. The registration packs also have helpline details.
The security questions asked by certified companies are all based on information they already hold about you and they are just asking you to confirm these details are right, so they know it is you sitting at the computer. In answering the questions customers are not providing the companies with new information about themselves. The questions are varied and detailed in order to meet modern security standards suitable for the levels of financial transaction involved in making payments under CAP schemes.
We have produced some 'hints and tips' to help customers prepare.