Companies House pauses strike-off again

Companies House has temporarily paused the voluntary and compulsory strike-off processes for one month from 21 January until 21 February 2021.  It says that its strict adherence to the government’s COVID-secure guidance had reduced the number of office staff. This has led to delays in processing correspondence, documents and forms.

The one-month pause follows a similar pause last year and applies to the processing of both voluntary and compulsory company strike-offs.  It intends to review the position before the end of the one month period.

First Gazette notices for voluntary strike-off applications will still be published to minimise the impact on those who have applied to close their company.  But Companies House will not be publishing the second Gazette notice and striking companies off during this period.

Pausing the processes will provide companies with more time to update their records and help them avoid being struck off the register. The pause will also protect creditors and other interested parties who might have had difficulties in receiving notices or registering an objection, or whose objections have not yet been processed.