What are persons with significant control (PSC)?
By DormantFile · Updated 28 March 2026
A person with significant control (PSC) is an individual who has substantial ownership or influence over a UK company. Since April 2016, every company must identify its PSCs and keep a register of them.
Who counts as a PSC?
You are a PSC if you meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Own more than 25% of shares in the company
- Hold more than 25% of voting rights in the company
- Have the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors
- Have the right to exercise, or actually exercise, significant influence or control over the company
- Have the right to exercise, or actually exercise, significant influence or control over a trust or firm that itself satisfies any of the above conditions
For most dormant companies with a single shareholder-director, that person will be the only PSC — they typically hold 100% of the shares and voting rights.
The PSC register
Every company must maintain its own PSC register. This register records the name, date of birth, nationality, address, and the nature of control for each PSC. The information on the register must be kept up to date — if a PSC's details change, the register must be updated within 14 days of the company becoming aware of the change.
Reporting PSC information to Companies House
PSC details are reported to Companies House through the confirmation statement (CS01). When you file a confirmation statement, you confirm that the PSC information on the public register is correct, or you update it if anything has changed.
You do not need to file a separate form just for PSC changes — it is all handled as part of the confirmation statement process.
Why it matters
The PSC register exists to increase transparency about who ultimately owns and controls UK companies. Failing to maintain it or report accurate information is a criminal offence. For dormant companies, the requirement is exactly the same as for active ones — there are no exemptions.