Identity crisis

SIR – My father’s bank – formerly the Midland Bank (Letters, October 4) – has asked him to provide a document to prove his identity, either by posting proof to them or by using a computer with a webcam. Suitable documents are a current passport or a driving licence; correspondence from HMRC or a benefits agency (such as Jobcentre Plus) dated within the last four months; or a Northern Ireland electoral ID card.

He is at home in Worcestershire – that rules out Northern Ireland. He gave up driving a few years ago. It is at least six years since he took his last overseas holiday and he has not renewed his passport. Aged 93, he does not pop into a Jobcentre. He has a computer but, no doubt in common with many nonagenarians, no webcam.

Given that my father has banked with this organisation for 75 years, we struggle to accept that it now suddenly needs proof of his identity. Brian Symonds

Hanley Swan, Worcestershire