The restrictions will finally be eased on 30 September with the restrictions on statutory demands and winding up petitions being removed. This may open up a wave of insolvency activity in the courts in terms of creditors issuing winding up petitions against companies that owe them money. It may also see a wave of insolvency processes to avoid winding up, such as administrations and CVAs. Insolvency practitioners and insolvency lawyers may find themselves very busy.
However, new measures will be introduced with the intention of helping smaller businesses having breathing space from creditors. In particular, there will be a temporary increase in the threshold for a winding up petition. The threshold for a winding up petition is surprisingly low as only £750 need be owed. The government is going to increase the minimum threshold to £10,000 for a temporary period, meaning that unless £10,000 or more is owed, a winding up petition cannot be presented.
It is also proposed that rules will be introduced to require creditors to give business debtors 21 days to respond before they can proceed with a winding up action. There is some case law that justifies issuing a winding up petition without first serving a statutory demand (which must give 21 days notice) that the legislation will look to prevent for a period.
The restriction on landlords issuing winding up petitions based upon rent arrears will remain in place, as will the restriction on landlords forfeiting a lease based upon rent arrears. These will likely remain in place until the end of March 2022, if not later.
