Monthly insolvency statistics – August 2026

Corporate Insolvencies

England and Wales

There were 1,946 registered company insolvencies in England and Wales in August 2026, similar to July 2026 but 3% lower than in the same month last year.

When comparing the period since February 2026 there have been 774 fewer company insolvencies than in the same period in 2025. The average number of Administration and CVA appointment over the 6 months has increased significantly over the same comparative term in 2025. At the same time there have been 236 fewer compulsory liquidations and 901 fewer voluntary liquidations.

This may demonstrate that a more supportive environment exists in respect of the turnaround/rescue of insolvent businesses and a sign of lower levels of enforcement action.

Creditor voluntary liquidations (“CVLs”) totalled 1,431, 9% lower than August 2025 and 4% lower than in July 2026.

Compulsory Liquidations totalled 314, 5% higher than August 2025 and 8% higher than in July 2026.

There were 182 administration appointments in August 2026, 60% higher than August 2025 and 44% higher than in July 2026.

There were 19 CVAs in August 2026, 19% higher than August 2025 but 14% lower than in July 2026.

Scotland

In August 2026, there were 73 company insolvencies registered in Scotland, 23% lower than the number in August 2025. The total number of company insolvencies was comprised of 30 CVLs, 35 compulsory liquidations and eight administrations. There were no CVAs or receivership appointments.

Northern Ireland                                                             

In August 2026 there were 7 company insolvencies registered in Northern Ireland, 42% lower than in August 2025. The total number of company insolvencies was comprised of two compulsory liquidations and 5 CVLs. There were CVAs, administrations or receivership appointments.

Personal Insolvencies

England and Wales

A total of 11,644 individuals entered insolvency in England and Wales in August 2026, broadly unchanged from July and 3% higher than August 2025. There was a total of 7,039 IVAs, 3,880 DROs and 725 bankruptcies.

The overall insolvency rate continued to rise, with one in 360 adults entering insolvency in the 12 months to August 2026, compared with one in 408 adults a year earlier. Growth was driven mainly by IVAs, while the rates of DROs and bankruptcies also increased.

DROs were broadly stable month-on-month but 6% lower than August 2025. However, volumes remain historically high following the removal of the DRO application fee in April 2024, with 2026 levels averaging 3% above 2025.

Bankruptcies increased by 5% compared to July 2026 and by 14% compared to August 2025. Of the 725 bankruptcies, 564 resulted from debtor applications and 161 from creditor petitions. Over the 12 months to August 2026, 77% of bankruptcies arose from debtor applications, up from 73% in the previous year.

IVAs remained the most popular insolvency solution. Although registrations were 4% lower than in July 2026, they were 8% higher than a year earlier, with volumes in 2026 running 14% above the 2025 monthly average.

There were 5,012 Breathing Space registrations recorded in August 2026, a 32% decrease compared with August 2025, reflecting lower application volumes since changes to suitability criteria were introduced in late 2025.

Scotland

The Accountant in Bankruptcy produces individual insolvency statistics on a quarterly basis. Therefore, the numbers in this section are only updated once every 3 months.

The quarters referred to are calendar year quarters, such that Q2 2026 covers the period 1 April to 30 June 2026. In Q2 2026, there were 2,181 individual insolvencies in Scotland, which was 13% higher than in the same quarter of 2025.

The individual insolvencies were comprised of 1,332 protected trust deeds and 849 bankruptcies (also known as sequestrations), of which 482 went into bankruptcy via the minimal asset process route. The rules regarding bankruptcy differ to those in England and Wales, so numbers of bankruptcies are not directly comparable.

Northern Ireland

In July 2026, there were 169 individual insolvencies in Northern Ireland. This was 10% higher than in July 2025. There were 137 IVAs, 15 bankruptcies and 17 DROs.