Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Investment to the debate on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill in the House of Lords on 27 March 2023, Official Report, column 1GC, whether she plans to publish a consultation on expanding shareholder information in the Companies House register.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill includes measures to reform the role of Companies House and improve transparency over UK companies. This includes a package of measures to strengthen shareholder information requirements whilst ensuring the appropriate balance is struck to avoid imposing disproportionate burdens on business. The Government is mindful of stakeholder concerns expressed in response to the Government’s 2019 consultation. This is why the Government would first consult stakeholders about what, if any, additional information it would be proportionate to require.