Search Legislation

Insolvency Act 1986

What Version

 Help about what version

Advanced Features

 Help about advanced features

Changes to legislation:

There are outstanding changes not yet made by the legislation.gov.uk editorial team to Insolvency Act 1986. Any changes that have already been made by the team appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act, associated Parts and Chapters:

 Help about changes and effects
Close

Changes and effects

This section lists the changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act, associated Parts and Chapters where applicable. This includes any insertions of whole new Parts, Chapters or provisions yet to be inserted into this Act. These effects are included in this view as they may be (but won’t necessarily be) relevant to the specific provision that you are viewing.

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

Commencement Orders yet to be applied to the Insolvency Act 1986:

 Help about changes and effects
Close

Commencement Orders

This section lists the commencement orders yet to be applied to the whole Act. These effects are included in this view as they may be (but won’t necessarily be) relevant to the specific provision that you are viewing. Where applicable the commencement orders are listed under two headings, firstly those that bring some part of the Act you are viewing into force and secondly, those that bring into force legislation that affects some part of the legislation you are viewing. If you are viewing a prospective version or there is a prospective version available there may be commencement orders listed here that are relevant to the provision you are viewing.

Commencement Orders bringing legislation that affects this Act into force:

General insolvency rulesE+W+S

411 Company insolvency rules.E+W+S

(1)Rules may be made—

(a)in relation to England and Wales, by the Lord Chancellor with the concurrence of the Secretary of State [F1and, in the case of rules that affect court procedure, with the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice], or

(b)in relation to Scotland, by the Secretary of State,

for the purpose of giving effect to Parts I to VII of this Act [F2or the EC Regulation].

[F3(1A)Rules may also be made for the purpose of giving effect to Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009 (bank insolvency orders); and rules for that purpose shall be made—

(a)in relation to England and Wales, by the Lord Chancellor with the concurrence of—

(i)the Treasury, and

(ii)in the case of rules that affect court procedure, the Lord Chief Justice, or

(b)in relation to Scotland, by the Treasury.]

[F4(1B)Rules may also be made for the purpose of giving effect to Part 3 of the Banking Act 2009 (bank administration); and rules for that purpose shall be made—

(a)in relation to England and Wales, by the Lord Chancellor with the concurrence of—

(i)the Treasury, and

(ii)in the case of rules that affect court procedure, the Lord Chief Justice, or

(b)in relation to Scotland, by the Treasury.]

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), [F5(1A)][F6or (1B)] or to any provision of those Parts by virtue of which rules under this section may be made with respect to any matter, rules under this section may contain—

(a)any such provision as is specified in Schedule 8 to this Act or corresponds to provision contained immediately before the coming into force of section 106 of the M1Insolvency Act 1985 in rules made, or having effect as if made, under section 663(1) or (2) of the [F7the Companies Act 1985](old winding-up rules), and

(b)such incidental, supplemental and transitional provisions as may appear to the Lord Chancellor or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State [F8or the Treasury] necessary or expedient.

[F9(2A)For the purposes of subsection (2), a reference in Schedule 8 to this Act to doing anything under or for the purposes of a provision of this Act includes a reference to doing anything under or for the purposes of the EC Regulation (in so far as the provision of this Act relates to a matter to which the EC Regulation applies).

(2B)Rules under this section for the purpose of giving effect to the EC Regulation may not create an offence of a kind referred to in paragraph 1(1)(d) of Schedule 2 to the European Communities Act 1972.]

[F10(2C)For the purposes of subsection (2), a reference in Schedule 8 to this Act to doing anything under or for the purposes of a provision of this Act includes a reference to doing anything under or for the purposes of Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009.]

[F11(2D)For the purposes of subsection (2), a reference in Schedule 8 to this Act to doing anything under or for the purposes of a provision of this Act includes a reference to doing anything under or for the purposes of Part 3 of the Banking Act 2009.]

(3)In Schedule 8 to this Act “liquidator” includes a provisional liquidator [F12or bank liquidator][F13or administrator]; and references above in this section to Parts I to VII of this Act [F14or Part 2 [F15or 3] of the Banking Act 2009] are to be read as including [F16the Companies Acts]so far as relating to, and to matters connected with or arising out of, the insolvency or winding up of companies.

[F17(3A)In this section references to Part 2 or 3 of the Banking Act 2009 include references to those Parts as applied to building societies (see section 90C of the Building Societies Act 1986).]

(4)Rules under this section shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5)Regulations made by the Secretary of State [F18or the Treasury] under a power conferred by rules under this section shall be made by statutory instrument and, after being made, shall be laid before each House of Parliament.

(6)Nothing in this section prejudices any power to make rules of court.

[F19(7)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

Annotations: Help about Annotation
Close

Annotations are used to give authority for changes and other effects on the legislation you are viewing and to convey editorial information. They appear at the foot of the relevant provision or under the associated heading. Annotations are categorised by annotation type, such as F-notes for textual amendments and I-notes for commencement information (a full list can be found in the Editorial Practice Guide). Each annotation is identified by a sequential reference number. For F-notes, M-notes and X-notes, the number also appears in bold superscript at the relevant location in the text. All annotations contain links to the affecting legislation.

Amendments (Textual)

F2Words in s. 411(1) inserted (3.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1037, reg. 3(1)

F3S. 411(1A) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(2), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F4S. 411(1B) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 160(2), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F5Words in s. 411(2) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(3)(a), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F6Words in s. 411(2) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 160(3), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F7Words in s. 411(2)(a) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009, (S.I. 2009/1941) arts. 2(1), 8, {Sch. 1 para. 79} (with art. 10, Sch. 1 para. 84)

F8Words in s. 411(2) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(3)(b), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F9S. 411(2A)(2B) inserted (3.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1037, reg. 3(2)

F10S. 411(2C) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(4), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F11S. 411(2D) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 160(4), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F12Words in s. 411(3) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(5)(a), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F13Words in s. 411(3) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 160(5)(a), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F14S. 411(3) text amended (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(5)(b), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F15Words in s. 411(3) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 160(5)(b), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

F18Words in s. 411(5) inserted (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(6), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 411 applied (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, arts. 4(3)(e), 6(3)(e)

S. 411 applied (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 30(5) (with s. 105(2)(b)(5), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provision and saving in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

S. 411 applied (with modifications) (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 220(5), 425(2) (with ss. 165, 217, Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)

S. 411 applied (15.7.2003) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 221(3), 425(2) (with ss. 165, 217, Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2003/1920, art. 2(b)

S. 411 applied (with modifications) (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(3), 198; S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

S. 411 applied in part (20.1.2007 for specified purposes, otherwise 1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 997, 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (subject to art. 5, Sch. 1 and with arts. 6, 8, Sch. 5); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(j)

Marginal Citations

412 Individual insolvency rules (England and Wales).E+W

(1)The Lord Chancellor may, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State [F20and, in the case of rules that affect court procedure, with the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice], make rules for the purpose of giving effect to [F21Parts 7A to 11] of this Act [F22or the EC Regulation].

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), or to any provision of those Parts by virtue of which rules under this section may be made with respect to any matter, rules under this section may contain—

(a)any such provision as is specified in Schedule 9 to this Act or corresponds to provision contained immediately before the appointed day in rules made under section 132 of the M2Bankruptcy Act 1914; and

(b)such incidental, supplemental and transitional provisions as may appear to the Lord Chancellor necessary or expedient.

[F23(2A)For the purposes of subsection (2), a reference in Schedule 9 to this Act to doing anything under or for the purposes of a provision of this Act includes a reference to doing anything under or for the purposes of the EC Regulation (in so far as the provision of this Act relates to a matter to which the EC Regulation applies).

(2B)Rules under this section for the purpose of giving effect to the EC Regulation may not create an offence of a kind referred to in paragraph 1(1)(d) of Schedule 2 to the European Communities Act 1972.]

(3)Rules under this section shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(4)Regulations made by the Secretary of State under a power conferred by rules under this section shall be made by statutory instrument and, after being made, shall be laid before each House of Parliament.

(5)Nothing in this section prejudices any power to make rules of court.

[F24(6)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

Annotations: Help about Annotation
Close

Annotations are used to give authority for changes and other effects on the legislation you are viewing and to convey editorial information. They appear at the foot of the relevant provision or under the associated heading. Annotations are categorised by annotation type, such as F-notes for textual amendments and I-notes for commencement information (a full list can be found in the Editorial Practice Guide). Each annotation is identified by a sequential reference number. For F-notes, M-notes and X-notes, the number also appears in bold superscript at the relevant location in the text. All annotations contain links to the affecting legislation.

Amendments (Textual)

F21Words in s. 412(1) substituted (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. 8; S.I. 2009/382, art. 2

F22Words in s. 412(1) inserted (3.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1037, reg. 3(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 412 applied with modifications by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

Marginal Citations

413 Insolvency Rules Committee.E+W

(1)The committee established under section 10 of the M3Insolvency Act 1976 (advisory committee on bankruptcy and winding-up rules) continues to exist for the purpose of being consulted under this section.

(2)The Lord Chancellor shall consult the committee before making any rules under section 411 or 412 [F25other than rules which contain a statement that the only provision made by the rules is provision applying rules made under section 411, with or without modifications, for the purposes of provision made by section [F26any of sections 23 to 26 of the Water Industry Act 1991 or Schedule 3 to that Act]][F27or by any of sections 59 to 65 of, or Schedule 6 or 7 to, the Railways Act 1993.].

(3)Subject to the next subsection, the committee shall consist of—

(a)a judge of the High Court attached to the Chancery Division;

(b)a circuit judge;

(c)a registrar in bankruptcy of the High Court;

(d)the registrar of a county court;

(e)a practising barrister;

(f)a practising solictor; and

(g)a practising accountant;

and the appointment of any person as a member of the committee shall be made [F28in accordance with subsection (3A) or (3B)].

[F29(3A)The Lord Chief Justice must appoint the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (3), after consulting the Lord Chancellor.

(3B)The Lord Chancellor must appoint the persons referred to in paragraphs (e) to (g) of subsection (3), after consulting the Lord Chief Justice.]

(4)The Lord Chancellor may appoint as additional members of the committee any persons appearing to him to have qualifications or experience that would be of value to the committee in considering any matter with which it is concerned.

[F30(5)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

Annotations: Help about Annotation
Close

Annotations are used to give authority for changes and other effects on the legislation you are viewing and to convey editorial information. They appear at the foot of the relevant provision or under the associated heading. Annotations are categorised by annotation type, such as F-notes for textual amendments and I-notes for commencement information (a full list can be found in the Editorial Practice Guide). Each annotation is identified by a sequential reference number. For F-notes, M-notes and X-notes, the number also appears in bold superscript at the relevant location in the text. All annotations contain links to the affecting legislation.

Amendments (Textual)

F27Words in s. 413(2) added (1.4.1994) by 1993 c. 43. ss. 150(1)(o), 152(1), Sch. 12 para.25; S.I. 1994/571, art. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 413 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1986/1999, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. II

C6S. 413 applied (1.12.1994) by S.I. 1994/2421, arts. 4(3)(e), 6(3)(e)

C7S. 413(2) excluded (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 125(8), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

C8S. 413(2) excluded (17.2.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (c. 1), ss. 160(6), 263(1)(2) (with s. 247); S.I. 2009/296, arts. 2, 3, Sch.

Marginal Citations

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules as a PDF

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules only you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made):The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources