From 30 June 2016, the filing requirements at Companies House will see changes and it is important that all directors and company secretaries familiarise themselves with the new rules. The changes include:
- The need to file the company’s PSC (or Persons with Significant Control) register at Companies House, setting out the names of the company’s PSC. Companies House recently released a helpful YouTube video to aid you in identifying your company’s PSC and the video is available by clicking here. For more information on PSCs, you can also refresh your memory by clicking on the link to our previous article ‘Important update for business: The PSC register’.
- Companies will be required to file a ‘confirmation statement’ at Companies House. The confirmation statement replaces annual returns and sets out a ‘check and confirm’ process for detailed information about the company. The time scale for filing the confirmation statement will reduce from 28 days to 14 days. Unlike the annual return, however, the filing fee will apply for a 12 month period, rather than applying again each time a change is made.
- A company may elect to keep their registers (or statutory books) on the Companies House public register rather than, for example, at its registered office address.
- A company will only be required to show an aggregate amount unpaid on the total number of shares for its statement of capital. A full statement will only be required if changes are made during the course of the year.
- There will also be a strengthened regime for director misconduct, including new offences and disqualifications arising from certain overseas convictions and in respect of unfit directors.
