Companies House and the ECCTA: 5 Ways To Stay Compliant

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) became UK law in October 2023. But this wasn’t just another regulatory update. 

It marked a major shift in how Companies House operates. The register is no longer a passive filing system. It is becoming an active regulator with stronger powers to challenge, reject, and enforce. 

For directors, the question is simple. – Are we compliant? 

Mistakes that once slipped through the net are now being flagged. And the cost of getting it wrong is rising. 

The good news? With the right approach, staying compliant doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Companies House and the ECCTA: What’s Changed?

Since March 2024, Companies House has gained significant powers under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. 

It can now: 

• Query and reject company filings 
• Remove inaccurate or misleading information 
• Challenge company names and registered addresses 
• Strike off companies formed on a false or unlawful basis 

This has triggered a major clean-up of the Companies House register. 

Filings that once sailed through are now being delayed, queried, or rejected. 

Compliance is no longer a tick-box exercise. Accuracy matters. 

The Rising Cost of Companies House Non-Compliance

One of the clearest signals of change is the sharp increase in Companies House filing fees. 

Take the cost of filing a confirmation statement, which has seen a 284% increase since 2024. 

Confirmation Statement Fee: Then vs Now 

• March 2024: £13 
• Today: £50 

Other statutory filing fees have also increased, including: 

• Company incorporations 
• Company name changes 
• Voluntary strike-offs 

These changes help fund Companies House’s enhanced enforcement powers under the ECCTA. 

But for businesses, they also mean one thing – mistakes are now more expensive. 

Identity Verification Under the ECCTA

Identity verification is at the heart of the Companies House reforms. 

Key milestones include: 

• Since April 2025 – Directors and PSCs have been able to verify their identity voluntarily. 
• Since November 2025 – Identity verification has become mandatory for all new directors and PSCs. 
• By late 2026 – All existing directors and PSCs must be verified. 

For most companies, this will happen through the confirmation statement process. 

Directors who fail to verify may ultimately be prevented from acting as a director. 

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): Who Can File?

The ECCTA also introduces a new framework for third parties that submit filings. 

These firms must register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). 

• Since March 2025, accountants and regulated firms have been able to register. 
• ACSPs can also carry out identity verification and submit verified filings. 
• By late 2026, only registered ACSPs are expected to be able to file on behalf of companies. 

If someone files for your company, it’s important to understand who they are and whether they are authorised. 

Companies House Reforms Still to Come

More changes are expected as the ECCTA reforms continue to roll out. 

Planned updates include: 

• Software-only accounts filing 
• Mandatory profit and loss disclosures for small and micro-entities 
• Removal of abridged accounts 

Although these reforms have been delayed, the direction of travel is clear – greater transparency and stronger oversight from Companies House. 

A Timely Reminder: Companies House Security Incident

Recent events have reinforced just how important it is to stay on top of your Companies House records. 

Following a security incident affecting Companies House on Friday, 13 March, a vulnerability in the WebFiling service briefly allowed users to access company information without authorisation. While the issue was identified and resolved, it highlights a broader risk. 

Compliance is not just about submitting accurate information. It is also about ensuring that your company data remains correct over time. 

Directors should regularly review their Companies House profile check for any unexpected changes and act quickly if something doesn’t look right. 

In the context of the ECCTA, where scrutiny is increasing and the register is becoming more actively monitored, maintaining accurate and secure records is no longer optional. It is part of being compliant. 

5 Steps to Stay Compliant with Companies House

The rules are changing quickly. A few simple steps can help you stay ahead. 

1. Review your Companies House records
   Check that your registered office, directors, and PSC details are accurate. 
2. Prepare for identity verification
   Directors and PSCs should understand the process before the deadlines approach.
3. Check your confirmation statement process
   Errors now cost more. Accuracy is essential. 
4. Know who files on your behalf
   If a third party manages filings, check whether they are or will become an ACSP. 
5. Plan ahead for upcoming Companies House reforms
   Software filing and additional financial disclosure are coming. 

Early preparation reduces risk and avoids unnecessary cost. 

How AAB Can Help 

Compliance with the ECCTA can be complex, but our team can simplify it for you. 
We ensure that your business adheres to all legislative requirements, minimising risks and allowing you to focus on growth. 

Our proactive approach keeps you ahead of regulatory changes and prevents compliance issues from becoming obstacles.  
At AAB, we help businesses stay on track by: 

• Preparing and filing accurate confirmation statements 
• Managing identity verification for directors and PSCs 
• Monitoring Companies House and ECCTA updates 

If you have any questions about our Company Secretarial Services, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Nikki McNally or your usual AAB contact.