Not sure if this will help Novie, but could be useful if all else fails

HSBC have an account called HSBC Passport.
It costs £8 per month on an initial six month contract which is renewable monthly afterwards.

If you get statements and other correspondence it's also a good proof of name and address

Maybe after 6 months you can upgrade account status, or just quit and move to another bank.

Look here

Food for thought anyway