United Kingdom

Guidance on Reporting Scams Pretending to be Companies House

Companies House has published guidance on how to report scams that impersonate the agency. The guidance details how to identify and report suspicious phone calls and emails, providing examples of known scam tactics.

Companies House Transition Plan for Economic Crime Act

Companies House has published an outline transition plan for the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The plan details the indicative timeline for commencing key provisions, with updates indicating potential postponements for certain measures to prioritize identity verification and stakeholder feedback.

Companies House Identity Verification Legal Requirement

Companies House has issued guidance stating that identity verification for directors and persons with significant control will become a legal requirement from November 18, 2025. This marks the start of a 12-month transition period for companies to comply.

Companies House Fees and Powers Update

Companies House will implement new fee structures effective February 1, 2026, with digital filing fees for incorporation, confirmation statements, and voluntary strike-offs increasing. These changes, alongside new powers granted by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, aim to enhance the UK's corporate registers and combat economic crime.

Insolvency Service Shuts Down UK Business Registration Services

The UK Insolvency Service has shut down three companies that facilitated the registration of over 11,000 UK businesses for overseas clients, primarily from China. These companies operated without proper registration and failed to conduct anti-money laundering checks, creating a false impression of UK presence for their clients.

ICO Decision Notice: Cabinet Office FOI Request Breach

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to the Cabinet Office. The ICO upheld a complaint that the Cabinet Office breached FOI rules by failing to respond to a request within the statutory 20-working day period.

ICO Decision Notice: UWE must disclose construction expenditure

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice against the University of the West of England (UWE). UWE is required to disclose construction expenditure information within 30 days, as the ICO found their refusal to be unlawful under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).

Frimley Health NHS Trust FOI Request Upheld

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) request against Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust for failing to respond within the statutory 20 working days. The Trust is now required to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Upholds Lambeth Council's Refusal on Information Request

The ICO has upheld Lambeth Council's refusal of one information request under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 11(2) and 5(2). However, the Council breached EIR 5(2) by failing to respond within 20 working days and EIR 11(2) by not completing an internal review.

ICO Upholds Complaint Against Birmingham City Council for Delayed Planning Information

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a complaint against Birmingham City Council for failing to provide planning information within the statutory 20-working-day timeframe. The ICO found the council in breach of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).