What is a Statement of Consent?

In the UK, an "affirmation statement" is typically a document that companies are required to file annually with Companies House. This statement serves the purpose of confirming or affirming the accuracy of certain company information that is publicly available. The affirmation statement replaces the annual return in the Companies House filing process.

Key points about the affirmation statement in the UK:

Annual Filing Requirement:
- Companies are required to file an affirmation statement with Companies House at least once a year. This statement is filed on the anniversary of the company's incorporation or the anniversary of the previous annual return.
Confirmation of Company Information:
- The affirmation statement confirms that the company's details held by Companies House, such as the registered office address, officers, and shareholders, are accurate and up to date.
No Financial Information:
- Unlike the annual financial statements, the affirmation statement does not include financial information about the company. It focuses on confirming the correctness of non-financial information.
Submission Deadline:
- The affirmation statement must be filed within 14 days after the statement's due date. The due date is usually the anniversary of the company's incorporation or the previous annual return filing date.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Failure to submit the affirmation statement on time may result in penalties, and non-compliance can affect the company's good standing.
Online Filing:
- Companies can file the affirmation statement online through the Companies House website. Online filing is the most common and convenient method.

The affirmation statement is an essential compliance requirement for UK companies, ensuring that Companies House has accurate and current information about the company. Companies are encouraged to keep their details up to date and file the affirmation statement promptly to avoid any penalties or issues with regulatory compliance.