Companies House Announces Major Changes
Companies House is set to change with the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act that was voted in by parliament in 2023.
The changes will be introduced in stages over the next 2-3 years.
A summary of the major changes is below. More information is available at Changes at a glance – Changes to UK company law Companies House changes.
Improving the quality of data on our registers
From 4 March 2024, greater powers for Companies House to query information, stronger checks on company names, new rules for registered office addresses, and new lawful purpose statements.
Confirmation statement changes
From 4 March 2024, new requirements to provide a registered email address and to confirm that the intended future activities of the company will be lawful.
Changes to Companies House fees
From 1 May 2024, fees are increasing to take new future expenditure into account, as well as making sure costs are recovered from existing expenditure. The main increases are from £13 to £34 for Confirmation Statements and from £18 to £33 for company strike offs (digital).
Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity. This will involve providing supporting Id such as passports.
Transitioning towards filing accounts by software only, and changes to small company accounts filing options. Profit and Loss schedules will also need to be provided and will be visible on the website.
Individuals will be able to apply to suppress personal information from historical documents, and apply to have personal information protected from public view because of risk of harm.
Changes to limited partnerships
Limited partnerships will need to file their information through authorised agents, and they’ll need to file more information with Companies House.
Improving transparency of company ownership
New requirements to provide additional shareholder information, and restrictions on the use of corporate directors.
Investigation, enforcement and data sharing
More effective investigation and enforcement powers for Companies House, and new powers to share data with law enforcement agencies and other government departments.
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