Official Statistics

Monthly Insolvency Statistics, May 2023

Monthly company and individual insolvency statistics for England and Wales, as well as Northern Ireland, and monthly company statistics for Scotland. For England and Wales, Breathing Space scheme statistics and the numbers of company moratoriums and restructuring plans are also included.

Documents

Data Tables in Excel (xlsx) Format - Monthly Insolvency Statistics May 2023

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Data Tables in Open Document (ODS) Format - Monthly Insolvency Statistics May 2023

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Details

Main Messages for England and Wales

The number of registered company insolvencies in May 2023 was 2,552, 40% higher than in the same month in the previous year (1,825 in May 2022). This was higher than levels seen while the Government support measures were in place in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and also higher than pre-pandemic numbers.

There were 189 compulsory liquidations in May 2023, 34% higher than in May 2022. Numbers of compulsory liquidations have increased from historical lows seen during the coronavirus pandemic, partly as a result of an increase in winding-up petitions presented by HMRC.

In May 2023 there were 2,181 Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs), 38% higher than in May 2022. Numbers of administrations and Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) were higher than in May 2022.

For individuals, 617 bankruptcies were registered, which was 5% higher than in May 2022, and around half of pre-2020 levels.

There were 2,505 Debt Relief Orders (DROs) in May 2023, which was 23% higher than May 2022. Monthly DRO numbers may be volatile at present due to the introduction of new DRO hubs.

There were, on average, 6,767 Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) registered per month in the three-month period ending May 2023, which is 14% lower than the three-month period ending May 2022.

The numbers provided in this publication are not seasonally adjusted and changes between consecutive months may not indicate overall trends. Therefore, in this publication we compare to the same calendar month in the previous year. Seasonally adjusted figures that more accurately measure trends over time are available in the quarterly insolvency statistics.

Updates to this page

Published 16 June 2023

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