Monthly UK insolvency statistics – August 2021

Published: 20/09/2021 By Hannah McCormack

The following figures are part of a monthly series published by the Insolvency Services to supplement quarterly National Statistics, with the aim of providing more up to date information as we rebuild from the effects of COVID-19.

During the pandemic overall numbers of company and individual insolvencies have remained low however CVL numbers have now returned to pre-pandemic levels. The numbers for other insolvency procedures still remain lower. This is likely to be partly driven by government measures that were put in place to support businesses and individuals during the pandemic.

England and Wales, August 2019 to August 2021, Not seasonally adjusted





There were 1,348 registered company insolvencies registered in August 2021 in England & Wales.

  • 71% higher than the number registered in the same month in the previous year (788 in August 2020)
  • similar to the number registered two years previously (1,366 in August 2019).

These figures are made up as follows:

Creditors Voluntary Liquidations = 1,256 (more than double in August 2020 and 30% higher than August 2019)
Compulsory liquidations = 35 (55% lower than 2020 and 82% lower than 2019)
Administrations = 55 (50% lower than 2020 and 69% lower than 2019)
Company Voluntary Arrangements = 2 (87% lower than 2020 and 93% lower than 2019)

Detailed figures and information of monthly company insolvency data for England & Wales can be found at the Insolvency Service here


Could a Moratorium give you the necessary breathing space to save your business?  Find out  here.   


Insolvency Procedures explained - click each link below:

Company Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
Compulsory Liquidations or winding up by the court

Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)
Company Administration