Companies House to resume compulsory strike off process

Temporary easement measures taken in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) have been kept under monthly review.

From tomorrow (10 October) the measure to suspend compulsory strike off action will be lifted.

This means we’ll resume the process to remove a company from the register if there’s reasonable cause to believe it’s no longer carrying on business or in operation.

For example, if:

company documents are outstanding, and we’ve had no response to our letters

letters sent by Companies House are returned undelivered

the company has no directors

Companies that do not file their annual accounts or confirmation statement will normally receive 2 letters from Companies House. A notice is then published in the Gazette to tell the public that the registrar intends to strike off the company.

Any person with an interest in a company which is nearing strike off should register an objection to dissolution at Companies House.

Stuart Morgan, Intelligence and Enforcement Service Owner at Companies House, said:

Companies House is committed to supporting businesses who may be struggling during these unprecedented times, and we have introduced a number of legislative and non-legislative easements since April to provide support.

However, it’s important that we have the right balance between supporting businesses, maintaining the integrity of the data on our register, and making sure that directors are complying with their legal requirements.

More information

Company strike off, dissolution and restoration

Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do

COVID-19: guidance for employers and businesses

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Business support