Being listed on the UK Insolvency Register can feel like a weight on your shoulders, particularly if you’ve resolved your financial difficulties and want to move forward. Whether your inclusion on the register stems from personal bankruptcy, a Debt Relief Order (DRO), or other forms of insolvency, having your name publicly visible can impact your ability to secure credit, employment, or housing.
In this blog, we guide you through the steps required to remove your name from the UK Insolvency Register, discuss the process and timeframe involved and help you understand your rights and responsibilities during this process.
What is the UK Insolvency Register?
The Insolvency Register is a public record maintained by the Insolvency Service, listing individuals and companies involved in formal insolvency procedures, such as bankruptcy, individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and winding up of companies. It’s searchable by the public, including potential creditors, landlords and employers, making it a key element in managing financial difficulties.
The register provides transparency in financial matters and helps protect creditors by allowing them to identify individuals or companies undergoing insolvency procedures. However, if your insolvency situation has been resolved you may be keen to have your name removed.
How long will my name remain on the Insolvency Register?
In most cases, your name remains on the UK Insolvency Register for the duration of the insolvency process and three months after it ends. The length of time your name stays on the register depends on the type of insolvency you’ve experienced:
- Bankruptcy: Your name will remain on the register for the period of bankruptcy (typically 12 months) plus an extra three months.
- DRO: Your name stays on the register for 12 months, the duration of the DRO, plus an extra three months once it ends.
- IVA: Your name will appear on the register for the entire length of the IVA, which can be between 5-6 years and for three months following its completion.
If your name remains on the register beyond this period, you have the right to request removal.
How to remove your name from the UK Insolvency Register
Once your insolvency procedure is complete, your name should automatically be removed from the UK Insolvency Register within three months. However, if your name continues to appear after this time, you can take the following steps to make sure it’s removed:
1. Check the status of your insolvency
First, make sure that your insolvency process has been officially concluded. For example, if you’ve declared bankruptcy, you must verify that you’ve received a formal discharge from bankruptcy. For IVAs or DROs, check that the agreed term has ended and all conditions have been met. If unsure, contact your Insolvency Practitioner for confirmation.
2. Confirm the removal timeframe
As mentioned earlier, the Insolvency Service is supposed to remove your name within three months of the conclusion of your insolvency. If still within this timeframe, it’s worth waiting a little longer before taking action, as removal should happen automatically.
3. Contact the Insolvency Service
If more than three months have passed since the end of your insolvency and your name is still on the UK Insolvency Register, you can contact the Insolvency Service directly. You’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth and details of your insolvency case. The Insolvency Service should investigate your query and remove your name from the register if your insolvency has been properly finalised.
You can contact the Insolvency Service through their website, by email, or by phone. In some cases, they may require further information from your Insolvency Practitioner to verify the completion of your insolvency.
4. Rectify any inaccuracies
If the Insolvency Service refuses to remove your name due to an error, or you believe your listing is inaccurate, you can take the issue further by providing additional documents such as discharge papers or completion certificates. An incorrect listing could be due to a clerical error, and providing supporting evidence should resolve the issue.
5. Seek legal help if necessary
In rare cases where the Insolvency Service refuses to remove your name, and you have exhausted all other avenues, you may need legal advice. A solicitor experienced in insolvency law can help you take further steps to challenge the listing and ensure your name is removed from the UK Insolvency Register.
The impact of being on the UK Insolvency Register
Being listed on the Insolvency Register can have several implications. It can affect your ability to get credit, rent a property, or secure certain types of employment. For those who have successfully resolved their insolvency issues, having their name on the register longer than necessary can be frustrating and potentially damaging.
That’s why it’s essential to understand how long your name should remain on the register and the steps you can take to have it removed once your insolvency situation has been resolved.
Moving forward with confidence
The UK Insolvency Register has an important role in providing financial transparency, but once your insolvency process has ended, it’s important to make sure your name is removed from the register quickly.
By following the steps outlined above – confirming the end of your insolvency, contacting the Insolvency Service, and seeking legal advice if needed – you can make sure that your name is cleared from the public record and take steps toward rebuilding your financial future.
Get in touch
Our team can advise on the best insolvency solution for your individual needs. Our qualified, knowledgeable Insolvency Practitioners are authorised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and provide free, impartial advice to ensure you liquidate your business in the best way.
Get in touch using the contact form, via live chat, email at mail@Simpleliquidation.co.uk, or call us on 0800 246 5895. We’re happy to help you navigate the process of removing your name from the UK Insolvency Register and provide expert support.
