Insolvency Act 1986

Part XVII U.K. Miscellaneous and General

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. 17 (ss. 426-434) applied (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, arts. 4(3)(f), 6(3)(f)

Pt. 17 (ss. 426-434) applied (with modifications) (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, arts. 8(4)(5)(8)(9), 10(2)(3)(6), Sch. 4 Pt. II, Sch. 7

C2 Third Group of Parts (Pts. 12-19) applied to limited liability partnerships (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (6.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1090, reg. 5, Schs. 3, 4 (as amended: (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/355, art. 10; (1.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/1989, reg. 3, Sch. 2 (with reg. 4); (8.12.2017) by The Insolvency (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1119), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pts. 2, 3; and (16.2.2021) by The Limited Liability Partnerships (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/60), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 3(2)))

C3 Pts. 12-19 applied (with modifications) in part (E.W.) (2.1.2013) by The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3013), reg. 1, Sch. para. 1(2)(a)(3)-(7) (as amended (26.6.2020) by Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12), s. 49(1), Sch. 3 para. 49(3) (with ss. 2(2), 5(2)); (7.7.2020) by The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/710), regs. 1, 4 (with reg. 6) (which affecting legislation is revoked and this amendment reversed (13.8.2020) by The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/856), regs. 1(2), 2); and (13.8.2020 immediately after the coming into force of S.I. 2020/856, reg. 2) by The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/856), regs. 1(3), 5 (with reg. 7))

C4 Pts. 12-19 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2014) by The Industrial and Provident Societies and Credit Unions (Arrangements, Reconstructions and Administration) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/229), arts. 1, 4(c), Sch. 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), 15(4)(b); and (18.7.2020) by The Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions (Arrangements, Reconstructions and Administration) (Amendment) and Consequential Amendments Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/744), arts. 1, 8)

C5 Third Group of Parts (Pts. 12-19) applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 3 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4)

426 Co-operation between courts exercising jurisdiction in relation to insolvency. U.K.

(1) An order made by a court in any part of the United Kingdom in the exercise of jurisdiction in relation to insolvency law shall be enforced in any other part of the United Kingdom as if it were made by a court exercising the corresponding jurisdiction in that other part.

(2) However, without prejudice to the following provisions of this section, nothing in subsection (1) requires a court in any part of the United Kingdom to enforce, in relation to property situated in that part, any order made by a court in any other part of the United Kingdom.

(3) The Secretary of State, with the concurrence in relation to property situated in England and Wales of the Lord Chancellor, may by order make provision for securing that a trustee or assignee under the insolvency law of any part of the United Kingdom has, with such modifications as may be specified in the order, the same rights in relation to any property situated in another part of the United Kingdom as he would have in the corresponding circumstances if he were a trustee or assignee under the insolvency law of that other part.

(4) The courts having jurisdiction in relation to insolvency law in any part of the United Kingdom shall assist the courts having the corresponding jurisdiction in any other part of the United Kingdom or any relevant country or territory.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4) a request made to a court in any part of the United Kingdom by a court in any other part of the United Kingdom or in a relevant country or territory is authority for the court to which the request is made to apply, in relation to any matters specified in the request, the insolvency law which is applicable by either court in relation to comparable matters falling within its jurisdiction.

In exercising its descretion under this subsection, a court shall have regard in particular to the rules of private international law.

(6) Where a person who is a trustee or assignee under the insolvency law of any part of the United Kingdom claims property situated in any other part of the United Kingdom (whether by virtue of an order under subsection (3) or otherwise), the submission of that claim to the court exercising jurisdiction in relation to insolvency law in that other part shall be treated in the same manner as a request made by a court for the purpose of subsection (4).

(7) Section 38 of the M1 Criminal Law Act 1977 (execution of warrant of arrest throughout the United Kingdom) applies to a warrant which, in exercise of any jurisdiction in relation to insolvency law, is issued in any part of the United Kingdom for the arrest of a person as it applies to a warrant issued in that part of the United Kingdom for the arrest of a person charged with an offence.

(8) Without prejudice to any power to make rules of court, any power to make provision by subordinate legislation for the purpose of giving effect in relation to companies or individuals to the insolvency law of any part of the United Kingdom includes power to make provision for the purpose of giving effect in that part to any provision made by or under the preceding provisions of this section.

(9) An order under subsection (3) shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(10) In this section “insolvency law” means—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, provision [F1 extending to England and Wales and] made by or under this Act or sections [F1 1A] 6 to 10, [F2 12 to 15], 19(c) and 20 (with Schedule 1) of the M2 Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 [F2 and sections 1 to 17 of that Act as they apply for the purposes of those provisions of that Act];

(b) in relation to Scotland, provision extending to Scotland and made by or under this Act, sections [F3 1A] 6 to 10, [F4 12 to 15], 19(c) and 20 (with Schedule 1) of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 [F3 and sections 1 to 17 of that Act as they apply for the purposes of those provisions of that Act], Part XVIII of the Companies Act or the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act [F5 2016];

(c) in relation to Northern Ireland, provision made by or under [F6 the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989][F7 or the Company Directors Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002];

(d) in relation to any relevant country or territory, so much of the law of that country or territory as corresponds to provisions falling within any of the foregoing paragraphs;

and references in this subsection to any enactment include, in relation to any time before the coming into force of that enactment the corresponding enactment in force at that time.

(11) In this section “relevant country or territory” means—

(a) any of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or

(b) any country or territory designated for the purposes of this section by the Secretary of State by order made by statutory instrument.

[F8 (12) In the application of this section to Northern Ireland—

(a) for any reference to the Secretary of State there is substituted a reference to the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland;

(b) in subsection (3) for the words “another part of the United Kingdom” and the words “that other part” there is substituted the words “Northern Ireland”;

(c) for subsection (9) there is substituted the following subsection—

“(9) An order made under subsection (3) by the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland shall be a statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 and shall be subject to negative resolution within the meaning of section 41(6) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.”.]

[F9 (13) Section 129 of the Banking Act 2009 provides for provisions of that Act about bank insolvency to be “insolvency law” for the purposes of this section.]

[F10 (14) Section 165 of the Banking Act 2009 provides for provisions of that Act about bank administration to be “insolvency law” for the purposes of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 426(10)(a) inserted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 39, s. 8, Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 16(3)(i)(ii); S.I. 2001/766, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3)

F2 Words in s. 426(10)(a) substituted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 39, s.8, Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 16(3)(a)(iii)(iv); S.I. 2001/766, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3)

F3 Words in s. 426(10)(b) inserted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 39, s. 8, Sch. 4 Pt. II para 16(3)(b)(i)(iii); S.I. 2001/766, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3)

F4 Words in s. 426(10)(b) substituted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 39, s. 8, Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 16(3)(b)(ii); S.I. 2001/766, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3)

F5 Word in s. 426(10)(b) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 4(9)

F6 Words substituted (1.10.1991) by S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I. 19), art. 381, Sch. 9 Pt. II para. 41(a); S.R. 1991/411, art. 2

F7 Words in s. 426(10)(c) substituted (N.I.) (5.9.2003) by S.I. 2002/3150 (N.I. 4), art. 26(1)(2), Sch. 3 para. 2 (with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 2); S.R. 2003/345, art. 3(2) (subject to transitional provisions in S.R. 2003/346, arts. 3-6)

F8 S. 426(12) inserted (1.10.1991) by S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I. 19), art. 381, Sch. 9 Pt. II para. 41(b); S.R. 1991/411, art. 2

F9 S. 426(13) added (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 129(2), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 2

F10 S. 426(14) added (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 165, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 426 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

C7 S. 426 amended (N.I.) (1.10.1991) by S.I. 1990/1504 (N.I. 10), art. 104(1); S.R. 1991/438, art. 2

C8 S. 426 extended (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 183(1); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.

C9 S. 426 restricted (25.4.1991) by Companies Act 1989 (c. 40), ss. 154, 155, 183(2)(3); S.I. 1991/878, art. 2, Sch.

C10 S. 426 restricted (E.W.S.) (11.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/2979, reg. 25(1)

C11 S. 426 modified (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 129(1), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 2

C12 S. 426 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)

C13 S. 426 applied (with modifications) (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2021/716, reg. 37A (as inserted by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1399), regs. 1(2), 12)

C14 S. 426 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), 51 (with reg. 64)

Marginal Citations

M1 1977 c. 45.

M2 1986 c. 46.

[F12 426A Disqualification from Parliament [F11 (England and Wales and Northern Ireland)] U.K.

(1) A person in respect of whom a bankruptcy restrictions order [F13 or a debt relief restrictions order] has effect shall be disqualified—

(a) from membership of the House of Commons,

(b) from sitting or voting in the House of Lords, and

(c) from sitting or voting in a committee of the House of Lords or a joint committee of both Houses.

(2) If a member of the House of Commons becomes disqualified under this section, his seat shall be vacated.

(3) If a person who is disqualified under this section is returned as a member of the House of Commons, his return shall be void.

(4) No writ of summons shall be issued to a member of the House of Lords who is disqualified under this section.

(5) If a court makes a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order [F14 , or a debt relief restrictions order or an interim debt relief restrictions order,] in respect of a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords the court shall notify the Speaker of that House.

(6) If the Secretary of State accepts a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking [F15 or a debt relief restrictions undertaking] made by a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords, the Secretary of State shall notify the Speaker of that House.]

[F16 (7) If the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for Northern Ireland accepts a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking made by a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords under Schedule 2A to the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, the Department shall notify the Speaker of that House.

(8) In this section a reference to a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim order includes a reference to a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim order made under Schedule 2A to the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.]

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 426A substituted (14.6.2012) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 3(a)

F12 Ss. 426A-426C inserted (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 266(1), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

F13 Words in s. 426A(1) inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 12(2); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2

F14 Words in s. 426A(5) inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 12(3); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2

F15 Words in s. 426A(6) inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 12(4); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2

F16 S. 426A(7)(8) inserted (14.6.2012) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 3(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 426A power to apply or amend conferred (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 266(3)(a)(b), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

C16 S. 426A modified (14.5.2014) by House of Lords Reform Act 2014 (c. 24), ss. 6(2)(b), 7(3)

F17 426B Devolution U.K.

(1) If a court [F18 in England and Wales] makes a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order in respect of a member of the Scottish Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly or the National Assembly for Wales, [F19 or makes a debt relief restrictions order or interim debt relief restrictions order in respect of such a member,] the court shall notify the presiding officer of that body.

[F20 (1A) If the High Court in Northern Ireland makes a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order under Schedule 2A to the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 in respect of a member of the Scottish Parliament or the National Assembly for Wales, the Court shall notify the presiding officer of that body.]

(2) If the Secretary of State accepts a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking [F21 or a debt relief restrictions undertaking] made by a member of the Scottish Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly or the National Assembly for Wales, the Secretary of State shall notify the presiding officer of that body.

[F22 (3) If the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for Northern Ireland accepts a bankruptcy restrictions undertaking made by a member of the Scottish Parliament or the National Assembly for Wales under Schedule 2A to the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, the Department shall notify the presiding officer of that body.]

Textual Amendments

F17 Ss. 426A-426C inserted (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 266(1), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

F18 Words in s. 426B(1) inserted (14.6.2012) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 4(a)

F19 Words in s. 426B(1) inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 13(2); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2

F20 S. 426B(1A) inserted (14.6.2012) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 4(b)

F21 Words in s. 426B(2) inserted (24.2.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 6.4.2009) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 108(3), 148(5), Sch. 20 para. 13(3); S.I. 2009/382, art. 2

F22 S. 426B(3) inserted (14.6.2012) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 4(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 426B power to apply or amend conferred (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 266(3)(a)(b), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

F23 426C Irrelevance of privilege U.K.

(1) An enactment about insolvency applies in relation to a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords irrespective of any Parliamentary privilege.

(2) In this section “enactment” includes a provision made by or under—

(a) an Act of the Scottish Parliament, or

(b) Northern Ireland legislation.

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 426A-426C inserted (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 266(1), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

427 [F24 Disqualification from Parliament (Scotland F25 ...)] U.K.

(1) Where F26 ... a court in Scotland awards sequestrian of an individual’s estate, the individual is disqualified—

(a) for sitting or voting in the House of Lords,

(b) for being elected to, or sitting or voting in, the House of Commons, and

(c) for sitting or voting in a committee of either House.

(2) Where an individual is disqualified under this section, the disqualification ceases—

(a) except where [F27 the award is recalled] or reduced without the individual having been first discharged, on the discharge of the individual, and

(b) in the excepted case, on the F28 ... recall or reduction, as the case may be.

(3) No writ of summons shall be issued to any lord of Parliament who is for the time being disqualified under this section for sitting and voting in the House of Lords.

(4) Where a member of the House of Commons who is disqualified under this section continues to be so disqualified until the end of the period of 6 months beginning with the day of the F29 ... award, his seat shall be vacated at the end of that period.

(5) A court which makes an F30 ... award such as is mentioned is subsection (1) in relation to any lord of Parliament or member of the House of Commons shall forthwith certify the F30 ... award to the Speaker of the House of Lords or, as the case may be, to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

(6) Where a court has certified an F31 ... award to the Speaker of the House of Commons under subsection (5), then immediately after it becomes apparent which of the following certificates is applicable, the court shall certify to the Speaker of the House of Commons—

(a) that the period of 6 months beginning with the day of the F31 ... award has expired without the F31 ... award having been F32 ..., recalled or reduced, or

(b) that the F31 ... award has been F32 ..., recalled or reduced before the end of that period.

[F33 (6A) Subsections (4) to (6) have effect in relation to a member of the Scottish Parliament but as if—

(a) references to the House of Commons were to the Parliament and references to the Speaker were to the Presiding Officer, and

(b) in subsection (4), for “under this section” there were substituted “under section 15(1)(b) of the Scotland Act 1998 by virtue of this section”.]

[F34 (6B) Subsections (4) to (6) have effect in relation to a member of the National Assembly for Wales but as if—

(a) references to the House of Commons were to the Assembly and references to the Speaker were to the presiding officer, and

(b) in subsection (4), for “under this section” there were substituted “under [F35 section 16(A1)(a) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 and paragraph 4 of Schedule 1A to that Act]”.]

[F36 (6C) [F37 Subsections (4) to (6) have effect in relation to a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly but as if—]

(a) references to the House of Commons were to the Assembly and references to the Speaker were to the Presiding Officer; and

(b) in subsection (4), for “under this section” there were substituted “ under section 36(4) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 by virtue of this section ”.

(7) F38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 427 title substituted (1.4.2004) by virtue of 2002 c. 40, ss. 266(1), 279 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

F25 Words in s. 427 omitted (14.6.2012) by virtue of The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(a)

F26 Words in s. 427(1) omitted (14.6.2012) by virtue of The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(b)

F27 Words in s. 427(2)(a) substituted (14.6.2012) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(c)(i)

F28 Word in s. 427(2)(b) omitted (14.6.2012) by virtue of The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(c)(ii)

F29 Words in s. 427(4) omitted (14.6.2012) by virtue of The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(d)

F30 Words in s. 427(5) omitted (14.6.2012) by virtue of The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(e)

F31 Words in s. 427(6) omitted (14.6.2012) by virtue of The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(f)(i)

F32 Word in s. 427(6)(a)(b) omitted (14.6.2012) by virtue of The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(f)(ii)

F33 S. 427(6A) inserted (19.11.1998) by 1998 c. 46, ss. 125, 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 23(6) (with s. 126(3)-(11))

F34 S. 427(6B) inserted (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 125, Sch. 12 para. 24 (with ss. 139(2), 141(1), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/782, art. 2

F35 Words in s. 427(6B) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 42(1)(c) of the amending Act) by Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1), s. 35(1)

F36 S. 427(6C) inserted (2.12.1999) by 1998 c. 47, s. 99, Sch. 13 para. 6 (with s. 95); S.I. 1999/3209, art. 2, Sch.

F37 Words in s. 427(6C) substituted (14.6.2012) by The Insolvency Act 1986 (Disqualification from Parliament) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1544), arts. 1, 5(g)

F38 S. 427(7) repealed (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 266(2)(b), 278, 279, Sch. 26 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 427 modified (14.5.2014) by House of Lords Reform Act 2014 (c. 24), ss. 6(2)(b), 7(3)

428 Exemptions from Restrictive Trade Practices Act. U.K.

F39 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F39 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) In this section “insolvency services” means the services of persons acting as insolvency practitioners or carrying out under the law of Northern Ireland functions corresponding to those mentioned in section 388(1) or (2) in Part XIII, in their capacity as such F39 . . ..

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 428(1)(2) and words in s. 428(3) repealed (1.3.2000) by S.I. 2000/311, art. 16

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 428 applied with modifications by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

429 Disabilities on revocation of administration order against an individual. E+W+S

(1) The following applies where a person fails to make any payment which he is required to make by virtue of an administration order under Part VI of the M3 County Courts Act 1984.

(2) The court which is administering that person’s estate under the order may, if it thinks fit—

(a) revoke the administration order, and

(b) make an order directing that this section and section 12 of the M4 Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 shall apply to the person for such period, [F40 not exceeding one year], as may be specified in the order.

(3) A person to whom this section so applies shall not—

(a) either alone or jointly with another person, obtain credit to the extent of the amount prescribed for the purposes of section 360(1)(a) or more, or

(b) enter into any transaction in the course of or for the purposes of any business in which he is directly or indirectly engaged,

without disclosing to the person from whom he obtains the credit, or (as the case may be) with whom the transaction is entered into, the fact that this section applies to him.

(4) The reference in subsection (3) to a person obtaining credit includes—

(a) a case where goods are bailed or hired to him under a hire-purchase agreement or agreed to be sold to him under a conditional sale agreement, and

(b) a case where he is paid in advance (whether in money or otherwise) for the supply of goods or services.

(5) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment or a fine, or both.

Textual Amendments

F40 Words in s. 429(2)(b) substituted (1.4.2004) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 269, 279, Sch. 23 para. 15 (with s. 249(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))

Marginal Citations

M3 1984 c. 28.

M4 1986 c. 46.

430 Provision introducing Schedule of punishments. E+W+S

(1) Schedule 10 to this Act has effect with respect to the way in which offences under this Act are punishable on conviction.

(2) In relation to an offence under a provision of this Act specified in the first column of the Schedule (the general nature of the offence being described in the second column), the third column shows whether the offence is punishable on conviction on indictment, or on summary conviction, or either in the one way or the other.

(3) The fourth column of the Schedule shows, in relation to an offence, the maximum punishment by way of fine or imprisonment under this Act which may be imposed on a person convicted of the offence in the way specified in relation to it in the third column (that is to say, on indictment or summarily) a reference to a period of years or months being to a term of imprisonment of that duration.

(4) The fifth column shows (in relation to an offence for which there is an entry in that column) that a person convicted of the offence after continued contravention is liable to a daily default fine; that is to say, he is liable on a second or subsquent conviction of the offence to the fine specified in that column for each day on which the contravention is continued (instead of the penalty specified for the offence in the fourth column of the Scheudule).

[F41 (4A) In relation to an offence committed before [F42 2 May 2022], a reference in Schedule 10 to 12 months on summary conviction in England and Wales is to be read as a reference to 6 months.]

(5) For the purpose of any enactment in this Act whereby an officer of a company who is in default is liable to a fine or penalty, the expression “officer who is in default” means any officer of the company who knowingly and wilfully authorises or permits the default, refusal or contravention mentioned in the enactment.

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 430(4A) inserted (26.6.2020) by Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12), s. 49(1), Sch. 3 para. 26 (with ss. 2(2), 5(2))

F42 Words in s. 430(4A) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 430 applied with modifications by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

S. 430 applied (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 21(1), 22, 23, Sch. 10 Pt. I para.1(with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch.3

C21 S. 430 modified by Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53, SIF 16), ss. 54(3)(a)(5)(a), 90, 126(3), Sch. 15

S. 430 modified (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 23, Sch. 10 Pt. I para.1 (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch.3

C22 S. 430 applied (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A para. 2 (as inserted (1.12.1997)) by 1997 c. 32, s. 39(2), Sch. 6; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(i)

S. 430 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/128, reg. 4(1), Sch. 2

C23 Ss. 430-432 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 103, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 2

C24 Ss. 430-432 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

C25 S. 430 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))

C26 S. 430 applied (with modifications) (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), Pt. 3 reg. 1, Sch. 2 paras. 3, 5 Table (with reg. 24)

C27 S. 430 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)

C28 S. 430 applied (with modifications) (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2021/716, Sch. 1 para. 3 (as amended by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1399), regs. 1(2), 20)

431 Summary proceedings. E+W+S

(1) Summary proceedings for any offence under any of [F43 Parts A1] to VII of this Act may (without prejudice to any jurisdiction exercisable apart from this subsection) be taken against a body corporate at any place at which the body has a place of business, and against any other person at any place at which he is for the time being.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in section 127(1) of the M5 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, an information relating to such an offence which is triable by a magistrates’ court in England and Wales may be so tried if it is laid at any time within 3 years after the commission of the offence and within 12 months after the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Secretary of State (as the case may be) to justify the proceedings comes to his knowledge.

(3) Summary proceedings in Scotland for such an offence shall not be commenced after the expiration of 3 years from the commission of the offence.

Subject to this (and notwithstanding anything in [F44 section 136 of the Criminal Procdure (Scotland) Act 1995)], such proceedings may (in Scotland) be commenced at any time within 12 months after the date on which evidence sufficient in the Lord Advocate’s opinion to justify the proceedings came to his knowledge or, where such evidence was reported to him by the Secretary of State, within 12 months after the date on which it came to the knowledge of the latter; and subsection (3) of that section applies for the purpose of this subsection as it applies for the purpose of that section.

(4) For purposes of this section, a certificate of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Lord Advocate or the Secretary of State (as the case may be) as to the date on which such evidence as is referred to above came to his knowledge is conclusive evidence.

Textual Amendments

F43 Words in s. 431(1) substituted (26.6.2020) by Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12), s. 49(1), Sch. 3 para. 27 (with ss. 2(2), 5(2))

F44 Words in s. 431(3) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 61

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29 S. 431 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

S. 431 applied (E.W.) (7.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3352, rule 9.20 (with rule 1.2(3))

C30 S. 431 extended by S.I. 1986/1915, rule 7.29.(3)

S. 431 extended (E.W.) (1.10.2005) by The Energy Administration Rules 2005 (S.I. 2005/2483), rules 3, 174(5)

S. 431 extended (S.) (6.4.2006) by The Energy Administration (Scotland) Rules 2006 (S.I. 2006/772), rules 3, 76

C31 S. 431 applied (30.11.2007) by The PPP Administration Order Rules 2007 (S.I. 2007/3141), rules 3, 114

C32 Ss. 430-432 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 103, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 2

C33 Ss. 430-432 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

C34 S. 431 applied (E.W.) (1.11.2009) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Rules 2009 (S.I. 2009/2477), rule 128 (with rules 3(2), 4)

C35 S. 431 applied (E.W.) (30.6.2011) by The Investment Bank Special Administration (England and Wales) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/1301), rule 286(5) (with rule 5(2))

C36 S. 431 applied (S.) (14.11.2011) by The Investment Bank Special Administration (Scotland) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/2262), rule 163(2)

C37 S. 431 applied (with modifications) (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), Pt. 3 reg. 1, Sch. 2 paras. 3, 5 Table (with reg. 24)

C38 S. 431 applied (S.) (7.6.2013) by The Energy Supply Company Administration (Scotland) Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/1047), rules 1 93 (with rule 3)

C39 S. 431 applied (E.W.) (7.6.2013) by The Energy Supply Company Administration Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/1046), rules 1, 150(5) (with rules 3, 208)

C40 S. 431 applied (E.W.) (31.1.2014) by The Postal Administration Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/3208), rules 1, 154(5) (with rules 3, 210)

C41 S. 431 applied (E.W.) (6.4.2016) by The Insolvent Companies (Reports on Conduct of Directors) (England and Wales) Rules 2016 (S.I. 2016/180), rules 1(2), 8(2)

C42 S. 431 applied (S.) (6.4.2016) by The Insolvent Companies (Reports on Conduct of Directors) (Scotland) Rules 2016 (S.I. 2016/185), rules 1(2), 8(2)

C43 S. 431 applied (1.10.2016) by The Postal Administration (Scotland) Rules 2016 (S.I. 2016/900), rules 1, 94 (with rule 3)

C44 S. 431 modified (E.W.) (1.8.2020) by The Smart Meter Communication Licensee Administration (England and Wales) Rules 2020 (S.I. 2020/629), rules 1, 196(5) (with rule 4(1))

C45 S. 431 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)

C46 S. 431 applied (E.W.) (18.7.2023) by The Relevant Licensee Nuclear Company Administration (England and Wales) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/712), rules 1(2)(a), 183(5) (with rule 2)

Marginal Citations

M5 1980 c. 43.

432 Offences by bodies corporate. E+W+S

(1) This section applies to offences under this Act other than those excepted by subsection (4).

(2) Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence to which this section applies and the offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity he, as well as the body corporate, is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(3) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (2) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.

(4) The offences excepted from this section are those under sections [F45 A19(5), A25(3), A26(4), A27(1), A28(5), A29(6), A30(2), A31(10), A32(4),] 30, 39, 51, 53, 54, 62, 64, 66, 85, 89, 164, 188, 201, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210 and 211 F46 ....

Textual Amendments

F45 Words in s. 432(4) inserted (26.6.2020) by Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12), s. 49(1), Sch. 3 para. 28(a) (with ss. 2(2), 5(2))

F46 Words in s. 432(4) omitted (26.6.2020) by virtue of Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12), s. 49(1), Sch. 3 para. 28(b) (with ss. 2(2), 5(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C47 Ss. 328, 329, 330, 331–335, 339, 359(1)(2), 363, 365–372, 373–382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387(1)(5)(6), 388, 389–390, 403–410, 412, 413, 415, 418, 419, 420, 423, 424–426, 428, 430, 432–437 applied with modifications by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

S. 432 applied (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 21(1), 22, 23, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3

C48 S. 432 modified by Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53, SIF 16), ss. 54(3)(a)(5)(a), 90, 126(3), Sch. 15

S. 432 modified (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 23, Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 1 (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3

C49 S. 432 applied (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A para. 2 (as inserted (1.12.1997)) by 1997 c. 32, s. 39(2), Sch. 6; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(i)

C50 Ss. 430-432 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 103, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 2

C51 Ss. 430-432 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

C52 S. 432 applied (with modifications) (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), Pt. 3 reg. 1, Sch. 2 paras. 3, 5 Table (with reg. 24)

C53 S. 432 modified (E.W.) (31.1.2019) by The Further Education Bodies (Insolvency) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/138), regs. 1(1), 24 (with regs. 1(2), 3(a)(ii))

C54 S. 432 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 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 11)

433 Admissibility in evidence of statements of affairs, etc. E+W+S

[F47 (1)] In any proceedings (whether or not under this Act)—

(a) a statement of affairs prepared for the purposes of any provision of this Act which is derived from the M6 Insolvency Act 1985,

[F48 (aa) a statement made in pursuance of a requirement imposed by or under Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009 (bank insolvency),]

[F49 (ab) a statement made in pursuance of a requirement imposed by or under Part 3 of that Act (bank administration),] and

(b) any other statement made in pursuance of a requirement imposed by or under any such provision or by or under rules made under this Act,

may be used in evidence against any person making or concurring in making the statement.

[F50 (2) However, in criminal proceedings in which any such person is charged with an offence to which this subsection applies—

(a) no evidence relating to the statement may be adduced, and

(b) no question relating to it may be asked,

by or on behalf of the prosecution, unless evidence relating to it is adduced, or a question relating to it is asked, in the proceedings by or on behalf of that person.

(3) Subsection (2) applies to any offence other than—

(a) an offence under section 22(6), 47(6), 48(8), 66(6), 67(8), 95(8), F51 ... [F52 99(3)], 131(7), 192(2), 208(1)(a) or (d) or (2), 210, 235(5), 353(1), 354(1)(b) or (3) or 356(1) or (2)(a) or (b) or paragraph 4(3)(a) of Schedule 7;

(b) an offence which is—

(i) created by rules made under this Act, and

(ii) designated for the purposes of this subsection by such rules or by regulations made by the Secretary of State;

(c) an offence which is—

(i) created by regulations made under any such rules, and

(ii) designated for the purposes of this subsection by such regulations;

(d) an offence under section 1, 2 or 5 of the M7 Perjury Act 1911 (false statements made on oath or made otherwise than on oath); or

(e) an offence under section 44(1) or (2) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (false statements made on oath or otherwise than on oath).

(4) Regulations under subsection (3)(b)(ii) shall be made by statutory instrument and, after being made, shall be laid before each House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F47 S. 433 renumbered as s. 433(1) (14.4.2000 (E.W.) and 1.1.2001 (S.)) by 1999 c. 23, s. 59, Sch. 3 para. 7(2) (with s. 63(2), Sch. 7 para. 3(3)); S.I. 2000/1034, art. 2; S.S.I. 2000/445, art. 2

F48 S. 433(1)(aa) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 128, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 2

F49 S. 433(1)(ab) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 162, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 3

F50 S. 433(2)-(4) inserted (14.4.2000 (E.W.) and 1.1.2001 (S.)) by 1999 c. 23, s. 59, Sch. 3 para. 7(3) (with s. 63(2), Sch. 7 para 3(3)); S.I. 2000/1034, art. 2; S.S.I. 2000/445, art. 2

F51 Word in s. 433(3)(a) omitted (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 virtue of Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 56(a); 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)

F52 Word in s. 433(3)(a) 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. 56(b); 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)

C55 S. 433 applied with modifications by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

C56 S. 433 applied (with modifications) (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 103, 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch. para. 2

C57 S. 433 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

C58 S. 433 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)

Marginal Citations

M6 1985 c. 65.

M7 1911 c. 6.

434 Crown application. E+W+S

For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that provisions of this Act which derive from the M8 Insolvency Act 1985 [F53 and Part A1] [F54 and sections 233A and 233B and Schedule 4ZZA] bind the Crown so far as affecting or relating to the following matters, namely—

(a) remedies against, or against the property of, companies or individuals;

(b) priorities of debts;

(c) transactions at an undervalue or preferences;

(d) voluntary arrangements approved under Part I or Part VIII, and

(e) discharge from bankruptcy.

Textual Amendments

F53 Words in s. 434 inserted (26.6.2020) by Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12), s. 49(1), Sch. 3 para. 29 (with ss. 2(2), 5(2))

F54 Words in s. 434 inserted (26.6.2020) by Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12), ss. 14(2), 49(1) (with ss. 2(2), 5(2), 14(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C59 S. 434 applied with modifications by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

C60 S. 434 applied by Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (c. 46, SIF 27), ss. 21(2), 25

C61 S. 434 applied (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by 1986 c. 53, Sch. 15A para. 1(2) (as inserted by 1997 c. 32, s. 39(2), Sch. 6); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(i)

Marginal Citations

M8 1985 c. 65.