This statistics release contains the latest data on company insolvency (companies which are unable to pay debts and enter liquidation, or enter administration or other company rescue process) and individual insolvency (people who are unable to pay debts and enter formal procedures).

Statistics are presented separately for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland because of differences in legislation and policy.

Companies in 2017
The underlying number of company insolvencies increased in 2017, driven by a rise in creditors’ voluntary liquidations.
All other types of company insolvency decreased compared with 2016.

People in 2017
Total insolvencies rose for the second consecutive year, returning to the levels seen in 2013 and 2014.

This increase was driven by individual voluntary arrangements, which reached the highest recorded annual total.

Latest quarter (Q4 2017)
Company insolvencies increased because of a bulk insolvency event, but the underlying number of company insolvencies decreased.

Individual insolvencies remained stable compared with the previous quarter.