I picked up on this story only in today's i newspaper, but apparently it was trailed in the Times as early as last week. What is surprising is that there was no statement in the House of Commons about the proposed, long-overdue, reforms.
Companies House already has the power to strike off companies who do not follow the statutory rules, like meeting the dates for filing of accounts. I assume they could also refuse to accept the registration of companies with dubious names of directors, but that in both cases they lack the personnel to carry out the checks which would enable them to do so. Those dodgy names do turn up (not quite "M. Mouse", but getting on that way) as Computer Weekly, Times newspapers and Private Eye's investigations have shown.
Those investigations have been made easier by Companies House making the record searchable in June 2015. It is an easy-to-use and seemingly comprehensive service (try beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/search?q=Brexit for an example ). I assume that the government has been forced into action by not only the print journals' findings but also those of citizen investigators.
Several Conservative MPs would be embarrassed (as would a few on the opposition benches, no doubt) if the proposals were enacted, but I hope that the government holds its nerve, ignores spurious objections and also provides the staffing necessary. The UK's reputation for probity depends on them.
1 comment:
Director of Policy Transparency International UK Duncan Hames said “That the Government have brought forward these proposals for consultation is most welcome. We are pleased that public concerns about the accuracy of the company register have clearly been heard, and efforts are underway to act upon them."
Duncan Hames is the husband of deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson. The consorts of leading figures on the government benches may not be quite so interested in transparency.
Post a Comment