My bank, Barclays, has recommended me to sign up to CIFAS as well. They advised that the only downside is there may be delays if applying for credit, but at least the assurance is that the system is working as advertised.
As for the clowns that have caused this debacle, they have now received my written application and if any of them are reading this - the clock is now ticking for them to reply and it doesn't have a pause button.
Reading the Information Commissioner's web-site, it seems to be a bit of a toothless organisation so I feel a visit to my solicitor and/or the police station may be in the offing.
Bladdered, I fully agree with your comment about the 'dongle' - why are they even allowed in such a sensitive area?