The modernised and consolidated rules replace the Insolvency Rules 1986 and their 28 subsequent amendments.

The rules have been recast to reflect modern business practice and to make the insolvency process more efficient. Changes include:

• enabling electronic communications with creditors
• removing the automatic requirement to hold physical creditors meetings, although creditors will be able to request such meetings
• enabling creditors to opt out of further correspondence and for small debts to be paid by the office holder without requiring a formal claim from creditors

The Insolvency (England & Wales) Rules 2016 were developed in cooperation with the insolvency profession as part of the government’s Red Tape Challenge. It is expected that they will save businesses an estimated £20 million annually enabling greater returns to the creditors of insolvent businesses.

The rules apply in England and Wales. A parallel project to modernise the Scottish insolvency rules is currently underway in partnership with the Scottish Government.

Insolvency Service form templates: England and Wales

Statutory forms relating to insolvency procedures have now been withdrawn. We have produced a limited number of templates for matters that fall under the responsibility of the Insolvency Service.

Using these templates will ensure full compliance with the new rules when completed properly.

You may use an alternative template/form but you will be responsible for ensuring its content complies with the Rules.

A document that fails to comply may not be accepted by the intended recipient including the office holder (official receiver, liquidator or trustee) or the court, for example.

Companies House and Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service have also produced a number of templates for insolvency matters that fall under their responsibility.

Previous templates should no longer be used.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has urged people across 6 of England’s region’s to make sure they are registered to vote, with only 1 month to go until mayoral elections.

In just 1 month there will be a huge shift in the way Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Liverpool City Region, West of England, West Midlands, Greater Manchester and the Tees Valley, are run.

On Thursday 4 May 2017, local people will have the power to vote for a brand new Combined Authority Mayor to take control of the region.

This forms part of ground-breaking devolution deals, through which Whitehall is handing powers to local areas to create jobs, improve skills levels, build homes and improve transport.

The powers will be held by a directly-elected mayor who, like the Mayor of London, will be able to represent the region on the international stage.

Eligible voters have until 13 April to register to vote, to enable them to cast their ballot in a month’s time.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said:

It’s one month to go until residents in 6 of England’s regions have an historic opportunity to shape how their area is run and vote for their region’s first directly-elected mayor.

But this is not just about voting for another politician – they’re voting to take control of issues that matter to them, whether that’s housing or transport, skills provision or new jobs.

So my message to people is simple: check you’re registered to vote, so you can have your say on 4 May.

Devolution deals are putting power in the hands of local people. They help communities take control of decisions that matter to them, with Combined Authority Mayors who will be accountable to the people they serve.

So far the government has agreed ground-breaking devolution deals across the country and on 4 May there will be elections for new Mayors across the country, in Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, West of England, West Midlands and Tees Valley.

Each Mayor will:

• have control over new long-term budgets from central government
• exercise powers to control local roads, transport investment, strategic planning, improve skills and build new homes
• lobby on behalf of their area, on the issues that matter to local people not only in Westminster, but on the world stage
• work with local business leaders to achieve what’s best for local jobs and the economy
• capitalise on local strengths and assets like our universities, scientific research and innovation

Elections will take place on 4 May, with the new Mayor expected to take their seat by 8 May. Residents eligible to vote can register to do so.

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