From 18 November 2025, companies will no longer be required to maintain local statutory registers for directors, secretaries or persons with significant control (PSCs).
This forms part of a broader set of reforms introduced by Companies House to improve corporate transparency and streamline company administration.
What changes are being made?
Currently, all companies are required to maintain local registers of PSCs, directors, directors’ residential addresses, and secretaries. These registers, along with other optional ones, are usually kept in hard-copy form, though many companies now use digital versions.
Private companies can also choose to keep information about directors and secretaries on the central register at Companies House instead of locally.
From 18 November 2025, the requirement to maintain these registers will be abolished. Instead:
Companies will need to file relevant information directly with Companies House
Local registers for PSCs, directors and secretaries will no longer be required
The central register option will be removed.
While the nature of the information filed at Companies House will largely remain the same, some updates are being made. For example, companies will no longer need to report a director’s business occupation.
Key change for PSC information
Under the new rules, Companies House must be updated within 14 days of any change to a company’s PSCs details. This is designed to ensure more timely and accurate public records and shortening the period between internal updates and the filings made at Companies House.
What about the register of members?
The register of members (i.e. shareholders) is not affected in the same way. Where companies currently keep their register of members on the central register, they will need to produce a local register. Otherwise, companies are unlikely to see any change in their existing requirements.
From November 2025:
All companies must retain their local register of members
The register must be held at the company’s registered office or a designated single alternative inspection location
The register must continue to be kept up to date and available for inspection.
What do companies need to do?
From 18 November 2025, companies:
Should ensure that their information is up to date at Companies House
Can cease maintaining their local statutory registers for directors, secretaries and PSCs
Must begin complying with Companies House’s new, shorter timescales for filing any changes to relevant company details
Must keep and maintain a local members register.
Companies should review and update their internal processes to ensure they can meet the new filing obligations in a timely manner.
These changes are part of a wider effort to modernise company law and reduce administrative burdens. By centralising records, Companies House aims to improve data accuracy and make it easier for stakeholders to access up-to-date information.
Staying informed and proactive is key to navigating these updates with confidence. Early preparation will help avoid last-minute issues and ensure a smooth transition.
How HCR Law can help
Our team is here to help you prepare for these regulatory changes. Whether you need help producing a local register of members, maintaining or correcting filings at Companies House or updating your internal procedures, we can provide practical and tailored advice to suit.
For more information or assistance, please contact cosec@hcrlaw.com.
