Companies House pauses destruction of dissolved company records while it reviews the 20-year limit
Companies House said on 12 May 2026 that it is reviewing how long it keeps records of dissolved companies, currently 20 years, after concerns they should be held longer. It has paused destroying and transferring records during the review. Dissolved company searches remain available, and any change will go to public consultation.
Companies House announced on 12 May 2026 a review of its retention period for dissolved company records.
The current policy
Records of active companies are kept indefinitely. Records of dissolved companies are kept for 20 years. Selected records then go to the relevant public records office, such as The National Archives for England and Wales, and the rest are destroyed.
What changed
- Following concerns that records should be kept for longer than 20 years, Companies House has paused destruction and transfer of records during the review.
- Searches through Find and update company information and the dissolved company search continue, and records not online can still be requested for a fee.
- The Government said it aims to balance public access to company information, protection of personal data and value for money. Any proposal to change the retention period will be consulted on.
Who is affected
Anyone relying on historic company records, such as for due diligence, litigation or tracing former officers, and former directors whose details appear on old records.