Insolvency Act 1986

[F1 REPLACING ADMINISTRATOR E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. B1 inserted (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 248(2), 279, Sch. 16 (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

Resignation of administrator E+W+S

87 (1) An administrator may resign only in prescribed circumstances.

(2) Where an administrator may resign he may do so only—

(a) in the case of an administrator appointed by administration order, by notice in writing to the court,

(b) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 14, by notice in writing to the [F2 holder of the floating charge by virtue of which the appointment was made],

(c) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 22(1), by notice in writing to the company, or

(d) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 22(2), by notice in writing to the directors of the company.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in Sch. B1 para. 87(2)(b) substituted (15.9.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Insolvency) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2096), art. 2(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. B1 excluded in part (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(2) (with reg. 64)

C2 Sch. B1 para. 87 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

C3 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 modified (5.7.2018) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 5 Pts. 1, 2; S.I. 2018/805, reg. 3(b)

C4 Sch. B1 para. 87 applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), regs. 2, 37, Sch. 2 paras. 4-6 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

C5 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 27-32 (with reg. 64)

Removal of administrator from office E+W+S

88 The court may by order remove an administrator from office.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 modified (5.7.2018) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 5 Pts. 1, 2; S.I. 2018/805, reg. 3(b)

C5 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 27-32 (with reg. 64)

C6 Sch. B1 para. 88 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

C7 Sch. B1 para. 88 applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), regs. 2, 37 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

Administrator ceasing to be qualified E+W+S

89 (1) The administrator of a company shall vacate office if he ceases to be qualified to act as an insolvency practitioner in relation to the company.

(2) Where an administrator vacates office by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) he shall give notice in writing—

(a) in the case of an administrator appointed by administration order, to the court,

(b) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 14, to the [F3 holder of the floating charge by virtue of which the appointment was made],

(c) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 22(1), to the company, or

(d) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 22(2), to the directors of the company.

(3) An administrator who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with sub-paragraph (2) commits an offence.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in Sch. B1 para. 89(2)(b) substituted (15.9.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Insolvency) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2096), art. 2(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 modified (5.7.2018) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 5 Pts. 1, 2; S.I. 2018/805, reg. 3(b)

C5 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 27-32 (with reg. 64)

C8 Sch. B1 para. 89 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

C9 Sch. B1 para. 89 applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), regs. 2, 37, Sch. 2 paras. 4-6 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

Supplying vacancy in office of administrator E+W+S

90 Paragraphs 91 to 95 apply where an administrator—

(a) dies,

(b) resigns,

(c) is removed from office under paragraph 88, or

(d) vacates office under paragraph 89.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 modified (5.7.2018) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 5 Pts. 1, 2; S.I. 2018/805, reg. 3(b)

C5 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 27-32 (with reg. 64)

C10 Sch. B1 para. 90 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

C11 Sch. B1 para. 90 applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), regs. 2, 37, Sch. 2 paras. 4-6 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

91 (1) Where the administrator was appointed by administration order, the court may replace the administrator on an application under this sub-paragraph made by— E+W+S

(a) a creditors’ committee of the company,

(b) the company,

(c) the directors of the company,

(d) one or more creditors of the company, or

(e) where more than one person was appointed to act jointly or concurrently as the administrator, any of those persons who remains in office.

(2) But an application may be made in reliance on sub-paragraph (1)(b) to (d) only where—

(a) there is no creditors’ committee of the company,

(b) the court is satisfied that the creditors’ committee or a remaining administrator is not taking reasonable steps to make a replacement, or

(c) the court is satisfied that for another reason it is right for the application to be made.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 Sch. B1 paras. 83-91 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 27-32 (with reg. 64)

C12 Sch. B1 para. 91 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

C13 Sch. B1 para. 91 applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), regs. 2, 37, Sch. 1 para. 3, 2 paras. 4-6 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

92 E+W+S Where the administrator was appointed under paragraph 14 the holder of the floating charge by virtue of which the appointment was made may replace the administrator.

93 (1) Where the administrator was appointed under paragraph 22(1) by the company it may replace the administrator. E+W+S

(2) A replacement under this paragraph may be made only—

(a) with the consent of each person who is the holder of a qualifying floating charge in respect of the company’s property, or

(b) where consent is withheld, with the permission of the court.

94 (1) Where the administrator was appointed under paragraph 22(2) the directors of the company may replace the administrator. E+W+S

(2) A replacement under this paragraph may be made only—

(a) with the consent of each person who is the holder of a qualifying floating charge in respect of the company’s property, or

(b) where consent is withheld, with the permission of the court.

95 E+W+S The court may replace an administrator on the application of a person listed in paragraph 91(1) if the court—

(a) is satisfied that a person who is entitled to replace the administrator under any of paragraphs 92 to 94 is not taking reasonable steps to make a replacement, or

(b) that for another reason it is right for the court to make the replacement.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 Sch. B1 para. 95 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 33 (with reg. 64)

Substitution of administrator: competing floating charge-holder E+W+S

96 (1) This paragraph applies where an administrator of a company is appointed under paragraph 14 by the holder of a qualifying floating charge in respect of the company’s property.

(2) The holder of a prior qualifying floating charge in respect of the company’s property may apply to the court for the administrator to be replaced by an administrator nominated by the holder of the prior floating charge.

(3) One floating charge is prior to another for the purposes of this paragraph if—

(a) it was created first, or

(b) it is to be treated as having priority in accordance with an agreement to which the holder of each floating charge was party.

(4) Sub-paragraph (3) shall have effect in relation to Scotland as if the following were substituted for paragraph (a)—

“(a) it has priority of ranking in accordance with section 464(4)(b) of the Companies Act 1985 (c. 6), ".

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 Sch. B1 para. 96 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

Substitution of administrator appointed by company or directors: creditors’ [F4 decision] E+W+S

97 (1) This paragraph applies where—

(a) an administrator of a company is appointed by a company or directors under paragraph 22, and

(b) there is no holder of a qualifying floating charge in respect of the company’s property.

[F5 (2) The administrator may be replaced by a decision of the creditors made by a qualifying decision procedure.

(3) The decision has effect only if, before the decision is made, the new administrator has consented to act in writing.]

Textual Amendments

F4 Word in Sch. B1 para. 97 heading substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 10(34); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)

F5 Sch. B1 para. 97(2)(3) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 10(35); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)

Vacation of office: discharge from liability E+W+S

98 (1) Where a person ceases to be the administrator of a company (whether because he vacates office by reason of resignation, death or otherwise, because he is removed from office or because his appointment ceases to have effect) he is discharged from liability in respect of any action of his as administrator.

(2) The discharge provided by sub-paragraph (1) takes effect—

(a) in the case of an administrator who dies, on the filing with the court of notice of his death,

(b) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 14 or 22 [F6 who has not made a statement under paragraph 52(1)(b)], at a time appointed by resolution of the creditors’ committee or, if there is no committee, by [F7 decision] of the creditors,

[F8 (ba) in the case of an administrator appointed under paragraph 14 or 22 who has made a statement under paragraph 52(1)(b), at a time decided by the relevant creditors,] or

(c) in any case, at a time specified by the court.

(3) [F9 For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(ba), the “relevant creditors” of a company are—]

(a) each secured creditor of the company, or

(b) if the administrator has made a distribution to preferential creditors or thinks that a distribution may be made to preferential creditors—

(i) each secured creditor of the company, and

[F10 (ii) the preferential creditors of the company.]

[F11 (3A) In a case where the administrator is removed from office, a decision of the creditors for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(b), or of the preferential creditors for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(ba), must be made by a qualifying decision procedure.]

(4) Discharge—

(a) applies to liability accrued before the discharge takes effect, and

(b) does not prevent the exercise of the court’s powers under paragraph 75.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in Sch. B1 para. 98(2)(b) inserted (1.10.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(7), Sch. 6 para. 7(2); S.I. 2015/1732, art. 2(e)(ii)

F7 Word in Sch. B1 para. 98(2)(b) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 10(36); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)

F8 Sch. B1 para. 98(2)(ba) inserted (1.10.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(7), Sch. 6 para. 7(3); S.I. 2015/1732, art. 2(e)(ii)

F9 Words in Sch. B1 para. 98(3) substituted (1.10.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(7), Sch. 6 para. 7(4)(a); S.I. 2015/1732, art. 2(e)(ii)

F10 Sch. B1 para. 98(3)(b)(ii) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 10(37); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)

F11 Sch. B1 para. 98(3A) inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 10(38); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 Sch. B1 para. 98 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3 (as amended (13.3.2018) by The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (Consequential Amendments, Savings and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/208), regs. 1(3), 5(5))

C17 Sch. B1 paras. 98-107 modified (5.7.2018) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 5 Pts. 1, 2; S.I. 2018/805, reg. 3(b)

C18 Sch. B1 para. 98 applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), regs. 2, 37 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

C19 Sch. B1 paras. 98-104 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 34-37 (with reg. 64)

Vacation of office: charges and liabilities E+W+S

99 (1) This paragraph applies where a person ceases to be the administrator of a company (whether because he vacates office by reason of resignation, death or otherwise, because he is removed from office or because his appointment ceases to have effect).

(2) In this paragraph—

• “the former administrator” means the person referred to in sub-paragraph (1), and

• “cessation” means the time when he ceases to be the company’s administrator.

(3) The former administrator’s remuneration and expenses shall be—

(a) charged on and payable out of property of which he had custody or control immediately before cessation, and

(b) payable in priority to any security to which paragraph 70 applies.

(4) A sum payable in respect of a debt or liability arising out of a contract entered into by the former administrator or a predecessor before cessation shall be—

(a) charged on and payable out of property of which the former administrator had custody or control immediately before cessation, and

(b) payable in priority to any charge arising under sub-paragraph (3).

(5) Sub-paragraph (4) shall apply to a liability arising under a contract of employment which was adopted by the former administrator or a predecessor before cessation; and for that purpose—

(a) action taken within the period of 14 days after an administrator’s appointment shall not be taken to amount or contribute to the adoption of a contract,

(b) no account shall be taken of a liability which arises, or in so far as it arises, by reference to anything which is done or which occurs before the adoption of the contract of employment, and

(c) no account shall be taken of a liability to make a payment other than wages or salary.

(6) In sub-paragraph (5)(c) “wages or salary” includes—

(a) a sum payable in respect of a period of holiday (for which purpose the sum shall be treated as relating to the period by reference to which the entitlement to holiday accrued),

(b) a sum payable in respect of a period of absence through illness or other good cause,

(c) a sum payable in lieu of holiday,

F12 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., and

(e) a contribution to an occupational pension scheme.]

Textual Amendments

F12 Sch. B1 para. 99(6)(d) omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(n), Sch. 6 para. 27

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 Sch. B1 paras. 98-107 modified (5.7.2018) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 5 Pts. 1, 2; S.I. 2018/805, reg. 3(b)

C19 Sch. B1 paras. 98-104 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 34-37 (with reg. 64)

C20 Sch. B1 para. 99 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 145, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

C21 Sch. B1 para. 99 applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), regs. 2, 37 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

C22 Sch. B1 para. 99(3) applied by The Financial Market and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2979), reg. 14(5)(a)(iii) (as substituted (1.10.2009) by The Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1972), reg. 4(d)(iii))