Official Receivers Celebrate 140-year History

5th November 2024

2024 marks the 140th anniversary of the appointment of the first Official Receivers and a rich history of helping to keep the UK a safe place to do business.

The first Official Receivers were appointed in 1884

Official Receivers originally conducted public examinations for every bankruptcy- now people can apply for bankruptcies online.

Next chapter for Official Receivers includes planned new technology to help streamline case management

The office of Official Receiver is 140 years old this year, marking a history that has evolved from administering personal bankruptcies to overseeing major company liquidations and securing Bankruptcy Restrictions against people who pose a threat to the public through financial wrongdoing.

The Insolvency Service has 16 Official Receivers based across 16 locations in England and Wales, who act as trustees in people's bankruptcies and liquidate companies that have been wound up, with the backing of hundreds of support staff.

They also investigate the causes of insolvencies and can secure stringent restrictions against bankrupt people where there is evidence they have been dishonest or are to blame for their debts, to protect the public from possible future harm.

Sharon Lewis, Interim Director of Official Receiver Services at the Insolvency Service, said:

Our work makes an impact on people's lives, whether that's helping those with overwhelming debt to make a fresh start, safeguarding the public from financial wrongdoing or helping creditors get back money they're owed. 

We have always been at the heart of the UK’s world-leading insolvency regime and there is a real pride in our work and strong connection to our long history of service.  

As we continue to take a more digital focus to support an insolvency regime that is fit for the 21st Century, we look forward to the next chapter in our story in helping to deliver economic confidence for the UK.

Official Receivers came into being following the Bankruptcy Act 1883 and the first cadre of 67 Official Receivers were appointed in 1884. Originally, the officials would conduct public examinations of bankrupts, and the Senior Official Receiver would appear at ceremonial occasions in formal court dress, including a sword and a bicorn hat.

Following rules introduced in 2016, people who choose to become bankrupt can now apply online rather than attend court. These changes reflect a move towards a more flexible service that recognises difficulties faced by people with overwhelming debt.

More planned changes to the service focus on new technology, including the introduction of a state-of-the-art case management system to help Official Receivers and their teams deliver a quicker, more efficient service for customers.

Official Receivers are supported by around 600 staff across the country, including teams of Deputy Official Receivers, examiners and case workers. The teams include a dedicated Public Interest Unit that deals with the most complex bankruptcy and liquidation cases, and a National Interest Case Executive that administers high-profile liquidations.

This year, Official Receivers have been appointed by the courts as liquidators of a number of high profile businesses.

Official Receivers in local offices have also dealt with cases including bankruptcies of high-profile individuals, and company insolvencies ranging from GP practices and dentists to funeral directors.

In 2023-4, Official Receivers also secured 134 Bankruptcy Restrictions - 93 of which were related to abuse of the Covid loan schemes. They also handled almost 11,000 new cases and returned almost £60million to creditors.

An Official Receiver:

Is a civil servant working in the Insolvency Service

Is an officer of the court

Acts as a liquidator of companies - winds down the affairs of companies and investigates the causes of the insolvency and the conduct of current and former directors.

Acts as a trustee in bankruptcy - someone who manages the bankruptcy. A bankrupt person’s assets transfer to the trustee who collects or sells them to make payments to creditors

Applies to court to extend the period prior to a bankrupt person receiving a discharge, if they have failed to cooperate with the Official Receiver in the bankruptcy

Secures bankruptcy restrictions orders against those who have acted dishonestly, or are to blame for their bankruptcy, to extend the restrictions imposed on them.

Scotland
In Scotland the equivalent is The Accountant in Bankruptcy - Scotland's Insolvency Service - https://aib.gov.uk/