(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations specify the form and content of the accounts and reports of companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 (c.46) ("the 2006 Act"), other than those subject to the small companies regime. They are dealt with separately in the Small Companies and Groups (Accounts and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2008. The Regulations replace provisions previously contained in the Schedules to Part 7 of the Companies Act 1985 (c.6) ("the 1985 Act") and in the Schedules to Part 8 of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (S.I. 1986/1032 (N.I. 6)) ("the 1986 Order"). They extend to the whole of the United Kingdom, reflecting the extent of the 2006 Act.

The Regulations come into force on 6th April 2008 and, with one exception, apply to financial years beginning on or after that date (regulation 2). The corresponding provisions of the 1985 Act or the 1986 Order continue to apply to accounts and reports for financial years beginning before that date. The new disclosure required by paragraph 4 of Schedule 8 to the Regulations applies in relation to financial years beginning on or after 6th April 2009 (regulation 2(3)).

The Regulations continue the implementation of the following Directives -

Council Directive 78/660/EEC on the annual accounts of certain types of companies ("the Fourth Directive") (O.J. L222 of 14.8.1978, page 1),

Council Directive 83/349/EEC on consolidated accounts ("the Seventh Directive") (O.J.L193 of 18.7.1983, page 1),