Statutory registers: what a private company must keep

A private company must keep a register of members (its shareholders), plus minutes, resolutions, copies of charges and certain director documents. Since 18 November 2025 it no longer keeps its own registers of directors, directors’ residential addresses, secretaries or people with significant control (PSCs). Companies House now holds that information, but the company must still file it and keep it up to date.

What changed on 18 November 2025?

Four local registers were abolished under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. According to Companies House’s changes to company registers page, companies no longer need to hold registers of:

• directors
• directors’ residential addresses
• secretaries
• people with significant control

Companies House’s own record is now the single source for this information. The same date started the 12-month transition for identity verification, and directors no longer need to give a business occupation when appointed.

The change took effect through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 6 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/1118.

Which registers and records must a company still keep?

The register of members is the main one left. The table lists what the Companies Act 2006 still requires.

GOV.UK’s company records guidance also lists debentures, indemnities, share purchase transactions and loans secured on company assets. Accounting records are separate; they must be kept for 6 years from the end of the financial year they relate to.

What goes in the register of members?

Every company must keep a register of its members under section 113. For each member it records their details and the date they were registered. For a company with share capital, it also records the shares each member holds and the amount paid on them.

Update the register whenever shares are issued or transferred. See how to issue shares and how to transfer shares.

Failing to keep the register is an offence by the company and every officer in default. The fine is up to level 3 on the standard scale, plus a daily default fine.

Where must the register of members be kept?

It must be held at the registered office or at a single alternative inspection location (SAIL). If you keep company records anywhere other than the registered office, you must tell Companies House.

The central register option for members closed on 26 January 2026. Companies that used it had to create a full register, hold it at the registered office or SAIL and make it available for the public to view.

Who can inspect the register?

Members and the public can ask to inspect or copy the register of members. Under section 117, the company has five working days to either comply or apply to the court, and must tell the requester if it goes to court.

Minutes and resolutions

Board decisions and shareholder decisions both need written records kept for at least 10 years.

• Directors’ meetings: section 248 requires minutes of all proceedings, kept for 10 years from the date of the meeting.
• Shareholder decisions: section 355 requires copies of written resolutions, minutes of general meetings and decisions of a sole member, kept for 10 years.

These records matter in practice. For example, a dividend should be backed by a board minute; see how to declare a dividend.

What about the old registers?

Companies House’s page does not say what to do with registers kept before 18 November 2025. Nothing on GOV.UK requires you to destroy them. Keeping them with the company’s records gives a history of past appointments and changes, which can help with due diligence on a future sale.

Checklist: is your company compliant?

Run through this list once a year, for example when you file the confirmation statement.

• The register of members is up to date and held at the registered office or SAIL.
• Companies House has your current directors, secretary and PSCs.
• Every director and PSC has verified their identity or knows their due date.
• Board minutes exist for each meeting, including dividend decisions.
• Written resolutions are filed and kept for 10 years.
• Copies of every charge and any variation are kept available for inspection.
• Directors’ service contracts are available at the registered office.

Which applies to you?

• If you used the central register for members, check you created a full local register after 26 January 2026.
• If a director or PSC changes, file the change with Companies House; there is no local register to update.
• If shares change hands, update the register of members and file any required forms.
• If someone asks to inspect the register, respond within five working days.

For how PSC reporting now works, see the PSC register explained.

Frequently asked questions

Does a private company still need a register of directors?

No. Since 18 November 2025 companies do not keep their own register of directors, but directors’ details must still be filed with Companies House and kept up to date.

Do I still need a PSC register?

No. The duty to keep a company PSC register ended on 18 November 2025. PSC information is held at Companies House instead.

Must a company keep a register of members?

Yes. Section 113 of the Companies Act 2006 requires every company to keep a register of members, held at its registered office or a SAIL.

How long must board minutes be kept?

At least 10 years from the date of the meeting, under section 248 of the Companies Act 2006.

Can I keep the register of members at Companies House?

No. The option to hold members’ information on the central register was removed on 26 January 2026.