These Regulations (with the exception of Schedule 1) are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 8(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies (in particular arising under paragraphs (d), (f) and (g) of section 8(2) of the Act) arising from the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

These Regulations make amendments to legislation in the field of accounts and reports required of certain types of business undertakings, namely companies, building societies, friendly societies, certain types of partnerships, limited liability partnerships and overseas companies (an overseas company is defined in section 1044 of the Companies Act 2006 (c. 46) as a company incorporated outside the United Kingdom).

Schedule 1 makes some minor and technical amendments under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68), updating some cross-references to EU law before exit day.

Schedule 2 amends primary legislation, namely the Companies Act 2006, the Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40) and the Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53).

Schedule 3 amends secondary legislation, concerning the production of accounts and reports (including reports on payments to governments) for those business undertakings within scope of the Regulations.

These Regulations refer to a sourcebook made by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Sourcebooks made by the Financial Conduct Authority are available on https://www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook and copies of the rules referred to can be obtained from the Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London E20 1JN, where they are also available for inspection.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.