There have been a number of recent changes that have come into effect with the aim of improving the accuracy and quality of data held on the public register at Companies House.

These new changes apply to new company incorporations, and also the ongoing operation of companies which could have an impact on GPs, dentists and pharmacists.

Those operating or looking to form companies need to be aware of these additional requirements to ensure ongoing compliance is maintained. In this insight we’ve summarised the key changes below and how they will impact the primary care sector.

Statement of lawful purpose

A statement will need to be given that a company is being formed for a lawful purpose and then, on an ongoing basis, a company will need to confirm its intended future activities are lawful.

New companies

Subscribers, i.e. the new shareholders of a company, must provide the confirmation on incorporation.

Existing companies

Existing companies will need to make this statement when they file their next confirmation statement (from statements dated 5 March 2024).

If using online services, Companies House will prompt users to do this when the next eligible confirmation statement is required.

Guidance addressing the above changes (including how to complete the updated Confirmation Statement) can be found on the Companies House website.

Registered Email

Companies must now provide Companies House with a registered email address, so they can correspond with the company. This will not be public.

If your registered office is your accountant, talk to them before adding their email address as the registered email for your company.

Failure to provide this is an offence.

New companies

Must be provided on incorporation.

Existing companies

Must be identified on next confirmation statement after 5 March 2024.

If filed online, users will be prompted to do this when filing the next confirmation statement.

Changes to Registered Office

A company’s registered office must be “an appropriate address”, being one where:

• any documents sent to the registered office should be expected to come to the attention of a person acting on behalf of the company
• any documents sent to that address can be recorded by an acknowledgement of delivery.

PO boxes cannot be registered addresses.

If Companies House identifies an inappropriate address, the address on the register will be amended to a default Companies House address. The company will be asked to provide an appropriate address and evidence linking that address to the company. Failure to comply can result in a company being struck off the register.

Fees increases

Companies House has increased its fees from 1 May 2024. A full list can be found on the Companies House website but below is a summary of the most common fees when forming or running a company:

Additional changes to follow

A number of additional changes will follow later in the year and further information is expected on those. To summarise these proposed changes:

Identity verification

Identify verification requirements will follow later in 2024. Anyone running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to prove their identity.

Changes to filing of accounts (software only)

Companies House is moving to a system where annual accounts can only be filed by software and not via web-based or paper-based means. The changes will be phased in over the next two to three years and specific timetables are indicated to follow soon.

Changes to small company filing options

• Small and micro-entity companies will need to file their profit and loss accounts.
• Small companies that do not qualify as micro entities will also need to file a directors’ report.

The option to file ‘abridged’ accounts will be removed.

How Capsticks can help

Our primary care team advise primary care providers on a range of commercial and contractual arrangements as well as employment and engagement of ARRS roles within PCNs.

Please contact Adam Siwak if you would like more information or to discuss how these changes may impact you.