Last updated: 31 August 2026
A person with significant control (PSC) is an individual who owns or controls a UK company in one or more of the ways set out in the Companies Act. Companies must identify their PSCs, provide the required information to Companies House and keep that information up to date.
Who is a person with significant control?
An individual will normally be a PSC if they meet one or more of the statutory conditions, including where they:
- hold more than 25% of the company’s shares;
- hold more than 25% of the voting rights;
- have the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board of directors; or
- otherwise exercise, or have the right to exercise, significant influence or control over the company.
There are additional rules for ownership through trusts, firms and legal entities, so complex ownership structures may need specialist analysis.
Do companies still keep their own PSC register?
From 18 November 2025, companies are no longer required to maintain a separate local PSC register. PSC information must still be supplied to Companies House and kept current on the central register.
What PSC information is filed?
Companies House requires information including the PSC’s name, service address, nationality, country of residence, date of birth information and the nature of their control. Residential addresses and full dates of birth are protected from general public display, subject to the statutory disclosure rules.
PSC identity verification
Compulsory identity verification for directors and PSCs came into effect from 18 November 2025 and is being implemented through transition arrangements. The timing for an existing PSC depends on their circumstances and Companies House requirements.
Identity verification can be completed directly through Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. See our Companies House identity verification service.
Keeping PSC information up to date
Changes in ownership or control can create a new PSC, end an existing PSC’s status or change the nature of control. These changes should be assessed promptly and the relevant Companies House filings made within the required timescales.
If you need help with Companies House changes, see our company administration service.
This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date it was last updated. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Fees, rules and deadlines may change. You should seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on anything covered here.