Please note: The information and advice in this article is correct as of 26/06/20. Due to the ongoing nature of the coronavirus pandemic, guidance is subject to change so we would always advise you speak to a solicitor for specific advice.

This week, new legislation allowing extensions to deadlines for businesses filing certain documents with Companies House received its third reading in the House of Lords.

As part of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, which we have previously written about from an insolvency point of view, there will be a temporary easement on filing requirements and extensions will be introduced for deadlines to filing the following documents:

  • Confirmation statements
  • Accounts
  • Registrations of charges (mortgages and debentures)
  • Event-driven filing, such as a change to your company’s directors or people with significant control.

The coronavirus pandemic, UK lock-down, and social distancing guidelines introduced by the government have made it difficult for businesses to file certain documents with Companies House  which still have to be filed in hard copy/paper form and in the post.

Whilst an increasing number of forms and documents can be filed electronically, this still doesn’t apply to everything which a company is obliged to file at Companies House.  We have kept you up to date with the changes which have so far been made in our COVID-19 advice hub.

Most documents have to be filed (electronically or in hard copy) at Companies House within 15 days of a change although some documents have a 21 day or 28 day filing deadline.

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill has now been passed to the House of Commons for considerations of amendments made by the House of Lords. The Bill aims to “relieve the burden on businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and allow them to focus all their efforts on continuing to operate.” Once passed, this new legislation should make it much easier for businesses to comply with their obligations and avoid costly penalties for delays.

It is important to note that this legislation has not yet been passed so if you have an upcoming deadline, you should continue to work towards filing the documents in the current accepted method until the legislation has been officially introduced.

If you require advice on the filing of documents with Companies House during the coronavirus pandemic or any other company law and procedure matters, get in touch with our experienced team at Farleys. Call us today on 0845 287 0939 or send your enquiry through our online contact form.