Important update: Companies House changes

There have been some significant changes from Companies House. Here are the key updates you need to be aware of:

Confirmation statement updates (effective 4 March 2024)

1. Registered email address:
   • Companies must provide an email address that is only used for receiving communication from Companies House
   • This address will be kept confidential and won’t be publicly available
   • It has to be a central email address within your organisation not a personal email address
   • If your registered office is with us, we can provide an email address for you
2. Lawful purpose statement:
   • You must have a ‘lawful purpose statement’ in your annual confirmation statement
   • This statement simply confirms that your company intends to operate legally
   • Companies House has the authority to take action against companies found to be operating unlawfully
   • They may reject confirmation statements without this statement
3. Registered office address:
   • Companies House has new rules for registered office addresses
   • The address must now be a physical location that can receive and sign for important letters
   • This means that most PO Boxes will no longer be suitable
   • If Companies House tries and fails to deliver, they will give you 28 days to provide an appropriate address
   • If they don’t receive one, they will move to strike your company off

Increased Companies House fees (effective 1 May 2024)

Companies House has increased their fees for some services. Here’s a summary:

• Company incorporation: Online filing – £50, Paper filing – £71
• Change of name: Online – £20, Paper – £30
• Confirmation statement: Online – £34, Paper – £62
• Voluntary strike off: Online – £33, Paper – £44
• Registration of a charge: Online – £15, Paper – £24

Online services are by far the most economical option. We recommend using online services whenever possible.

We’re here to help

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your PKF Francis Clark contact.