Protecting your privacy on the Insolvency Register

November 2025 PayPlan Blog #1

The Individual Insolvency Register allows searches by name for information about bankruptcies and insolvencies in England and Wales, including:
• Bankruptcy Orders
• Debt Relief Orders (DROs)
• Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
If you declare bankruptcy, your details will also appear in the London Gazette.
The register includes personal data such as name, date of birth, address, occupation and gender. It also shows detail of your arrangement (e.g. IVA start date and your Insolvency Practitioner’s contact details).
Depending on the type of insolvency, your information may stay visible for up to three months after completion.

Who is told about my insolvency?
The following organisations will be notified:

• Your creditors (those you owe money to).
• Your landlord, if you’re behind on rent.
• Your energy, water, and phone providers, if you’re behind on payments.
• Your local authority, if you have overdue payments.
• Your bank or building society if you’re in a DRO or bankruptcy, or if they are one of your creditors in an IVA.

What if I’m at risk of harm with my address being shown?
If you believe you may be at risk, you can apply for a Person at Risk of Violence (PARV) order, which limits the amount of information made public. Your name will still appear, but your address will not be shown on the Insolvency Register or in the London Gazette.

How to apply for a PARV order
Submit your PARV application along with your bankruptcy/DRO application or IVA proposal. This ensures your address isn’t published once your insolvency is approved.
If you apply later, your address may be visible until the PARV order is granted.
The fee for a PARV order is £318, but you may be eligible for help with the fee if you receive certain benefits, have a low income or limited savings.
When you receive advice from us, we can help with your PARV order application and check if you qualify for a fee reduction.

Steps to stop your details being made public
• Download and complete a PARV order application form, including supporting evidence and a statement explaining the risks if your address is made public.
• Take the completed form to a court that handles these applications. The court will confirm if a fee is required.
• The court will arrange a hearing where you can present your application to a judge, in person or online.
• A decision is usually made on the same day

What you can do next
If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.
Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/bfawu to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

Through our partnership with Refuge, we’ve created safe pathways for you to get the support you need.
You can also contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. It’s free, available 24/7 and completely confidential.