Monthly insolvency statistics – July 2026

Corporate Insolvencies

England and Wales

The latest company insolvency statistics present a mixed but slightly improved picture. There were 1,931 registered company insolvencies in England and Wales in July 2026. This was 5% higher than June 2026, but 5% lower than July 2025.

The monthly increase was driven mainly by Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs), which rose by 9% to 1,497 and accounted for 78% of all company insolvencies. However, CVLs remained 3% below July 2025, while their average monthly number during the first seven months of 2026 was 7% below the 2025 average.

Construction continued to record the highest number of insolvencies, followed by wholesale and retail and accommodation and food services. However, insolvency numbers fell across most sectors when comparing the 12 months to July 2026 with the preceding 12 months.

Overall, company insolvencies remain high by recent historical standards, but the year-on-year comparisons and declining rolling insolvency rate indicate some moderation in formal insolvency activity. Businesses experiencing financial pressure should seek advice early, while a wider range of restructuring options remains available.

In July 2026, CVLs accounted for 78% of all company insolvencies. The number of CVLs was 9% higher than in June 2026, and 3% lower than in July 2025. The average monthly number of CVLs in the first seven months of 2026 was 7% lower than the average monthly number in 2025.

Compulsory Liquidations increased by 4% from June 2026 to 288 but were 11% lower than in July 2025.

The number of administrations in July 2026 was 33% lower than in June 2026, when approximately 60 connected companies in the real estate sector entered administration, and 19% lower than in July 2025.

The average monthly number of administrations in the first seven months of 2026 was 33% higher than the 2025 monthly average. This was driven by higher numbers in March, April and June 2026, when approximately 260 connected companies in the real estate sector entered administration.

There were 22 CVAs in July 2026, this was 57% higher than in June 2026 and 83% higher than in July 2025. Numbers remain low compared to historical levels. CVAs are not seasonally adjusted due to low volumes.

Scotland

In July 2026, there were 83 company insolvencies registered in Scotland, 28% lower than the number in July 2025. The total number of company insolvencies was comprised of 46 CVLs, 31 compulsory liquidations and six administrations. There were no CVAs or receivership appointments.

Northern Ireland                                                             

In July 2026 there were 16 company insolvencies registered in Northern Ireland, 14% higher than in July 2025. The total number of company insolvencies was comprised of three compulsory liquidations, 11 CVLs, one CVA and one administration. There were no receivership appointments.

Personal Insolvencies

England and Wales

In July 2026, 11,926 people entered insolvency in England and Wales, similar to June 2026 but 14% higher than July 2025.

The total included 664 bankruptcies, 3,820 DROs, and 7,442 IVAs. IVA numbers rose slightly from June and were the highest since November 2022, excluding December 2025. DROs and bankruptcies both fell from June, although bankruptcies remained above July 2025 levels.

Overall, insolvency numbers remained stable in July 2026, with IVAs continuing to be the most common solution and showing sustained growth. The increase in IVAs and the low proportion of bankruptcies suggest that many individuals are continuing to access debt solutions at an earlier stage, providing opportunities to address financial difficulties before they escalate.

In July 2026, there were 3,820 DROs, 1% lower than June 2026 and 4% lower than July 2025.

There were 664 bankruptcies in July 2026, being 532 debtor applications and 132 creditor petitions. Debtor applications increased compared with June and July 2025, while creditor petitions fell. Over the 12 months to July 2026, 78% of bankruptcies resulted from debtor applications, up from 73% in the previous year.

In the 12 months to July 2026, IVAs accounted for 59% of individual insolvencies, DROs 35%, and bankruptcies 6%. Compared with July 2025, IVAs increased while DROs decreased. The long-term trend continues to show a decline in the proportion of bankruptcies, from 17% in 2016 to 6% in 2026.

The 7,442 IVAs registered in July 2026 was 1% higher than in June 2026 and 27% higher than in July 2025. IVA numbers in the first seven months of 2026 were 14% higher than the 2025 monthly average.

There were 5,248 Breathing Space registrations in July 2026, 38% lower than July 2025. Numbers have remained lower since December 2025 following changes to suitability criteria by the largest money adviser group.

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.