The UK Government has revealed its plans to delve into the use of open banking to foster digital payments across various public services.
This initiative was articulated by Amanda Dahl, the deputy director of Government Digital Services, who marked it as a part of a broader scheme to augment functionality in the payment for Government services.
A focal point of this expansion is the intention to extend the reach of GOV.UK Pay. Already encompassing popular platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay for central government digital services, the Government aims to further align it with local authority services. This move aims to simplify processes for individuals paying for various government services on the go, such as the Clean Air Zone charges.
Dahl touched on a critical aspect of the plan, stating, “Later this year we’ll also be investigating how GOV.UK Pay might offer open banking, which means that people will have the option to pay for services conveniently using their own banking app.”
The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) agency stands as a forerunner in this open banking revolution. It has successfully amassed £123m in Self-Assessment payments from more than 94,000 taxpayers through the HMRC app since its inception in February 2022.
These advancements demonstrate the Government’s commitment to improving the efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of digital payment methods for the general public. The integration of open banking into existing government platforms not only streamlines payment processes but also supports the broader transition to a digitally empowered society.
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