(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations specify the form and content of the accounts and directors' report of companies subject to the small companies regime under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 (c.46) ("the 2006 Act"). Section 381 of the 2006 Act defines what is meant by "small companies regime". 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 apply in relation 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 directors' reports for financial years beginning before that date.

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), and

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