PO Box etc instead of home address

[Deleted User]

Before you read my question, please do not think I am after a scam or something as fishy, just on the contrary - but it's tough to know all about the UK life! And I thought this forum would be the best suited, but please advise if I need to move this somewhere else..

So I am thinking of getting one of those virtual/PO boxes instead of my permanent address. Not a PO Box via Royal Mail (due to the restrictions Royal Mail places on DHL etc), but with, as an example, City Address (I am new to the forum and am not allowed to post a link, but there are many companies like this out there.. ).

If I am to get one of those addresses, can I use it to give to my bank, register with GP etc as my home address?
I am just unsure if it is allowed or not.. If it is, sounds like a good alternative to changing addresses with every institution I give it to while I move around rented accommodations.. which could take a few more years..

AdrianC

No, you can't use a PO Box as your "home address".

benjus

Most banks now allow you to change address online or with a quick phone call.

GPs have a catchment area so if you move to a new area you will need to register with a new GP anyway.

Utilities and council tax are attached to the specific address so there would be no point in using a PO box as contact address.

makeyourdaddyproud

No can do sunny jim.

McKneff

So, if as you say, it wont be for a scam, why would you actually want to use one.

[Deleted User]

For domains registration it is easier to use a PO address rather than not disclose personal details. Don't want my permanent address visible to the whole world.
This is the reason I were going to get one in the first place, but thought I could combine a few tasks, being the lazy person that I am

Thank you for the time you all took to respond!

[Deleted User]

Update:
turned out hiding one's personal information on whois is easier than I thought - and costs pennies/year! (3 EUR/ year in my case)

makeyourdaddyproud

Even if you have a PO, anyone can request the real address.

Banks won't entertain PO boxes.

I'm confused as to how you think you can progress this idea.

I think there is a deeper reason why you want to do this; if you're trying to avoid government departments, forget it.

Buzby

My bank has used my PO Box for the last 27 years. It is my primary point of contact - however, it IS a PO Box and I gave son exclusive postcode that calls up my details.

You are referring to a non PO Box, effectively a mail drop. That offers you greater anonymity but as you share it with many others there is a reluctance to accept it for important things - NHS won't send a doctor to one, banks exclude them as the prospect of fraud is too great.

[Deleted User]

No, nothing dodgy - I'm just baffled how many things in UK depend on an address. With great desire one may think of whatever ways of avoiding whatever they need (like, rent something small and cheap and register everything to it while living somewhere else etc). And when a person has no bad intentions - has to go to through the same trouble any trouble-maker would..

Things seem over-complicated - and by over-complicating the government only gives people a reason to start thinking how to avoid silly obstacles.
Ie - a tonne of information is needed to open a bank account. Why?. (the answer is that UK banking system needs to be retired and replaced, but that is a whole different story)

anamenottaken

Deleted_User wrote: »

Ie - a tonne of information is needed to open a bank account. Why?. (the answer is that UK banking system needs to be retired and replaced, but that is a whole different story)

Which other countries have you lived in? When did you last live there? What did they require of someone wanting to open a bank account?