Hailsham Charity Fears Closure Over Companies House Registration Error

A Hailsham-based charity says it could be forced to close because of a long-standing error on its Companies House records.

Computers for Charities (CfC) claims an incorrect date of birth was recorded for its director, Simon Rooksby, when the organisation was registered in 2005.

Mr Rooksby says the error has become a major issue since Companies House introduced a new identity verification process, preventing the charity from submitting required annual paperwork.

The charity is required to file accounts and a yearly confirmation statement, but Mr Rooksby says the incorrect information on record means those submissions cannot currently be completed.

He says he has been attempting to correct the error since November last year.

Mr Rooksby said:

"You would think to be able to resolve a typo or simple error would be easy, but I have now been trying to get this thing changed since November last year."

He added that the costs of providing documentation and attempting to verify his identity had continued to mount, with postage costs alone approaching £200.

Mr Rooksby said the charity had received warnings that it could face being struck off the Companies House register if the issue is not resolved.

He said:

"If they are going to have to close us down as a limited company so be it. The anxiety has been phenomenal. I just feel like giving up.

"I'm appealing to Companies House to please, sort it out!"

In a statement, Companies House said it was aware of the situation and would be offering support.

A spokesperson said:

"We are sorry to hear of the troubles Simon is encountering, and we will reach out to provide the necessary support."

The organisation added that identity verification is an important part of efforts to improve the reliability of the company register and provide greater assurance about who is setting up, running and controlling companies in the UK.

Computers for Charities is continuing to work with Companies House in an effort to resolve the issue and avoid potential closure.