The government restrictions on enforcement options for Lenders have been regularly extended due to the ongoing pandemic. Below is a table of what options are available to Lenders as at 22 March 2021 to enforce their security and recover liabilities owing from their borrowers.

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Despite the law not yet being in force, the High Court has this week granted an unnamed high street retailer an injunction preventing one of its landlord creditors from presenting a winding-up petition against it on the expectation that the restrictions in the Bill will shortly be enacted.

In the current climate, it is expected that thousands of business will enter administration and Administrators will need to assess each administration on its merits to see if it is appropriate to adopt a light touch approach.

As a result of the unprecedented situation that is being faced by businesses due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns there have been many discussions within the insolvency and legal sectors about how best to rescue struggling businesses.

As a creditor, especially during the current Covid-19 crisis, it may be tempting to accept all and any payments from debtors.

Payments that a debtor company makes to you during the period where there is a winding-up petition in place will be a void disposition, under section 127 of the Insolvency Act 1986, unless there is an application to the Court and receipt of what is known as a “validation order,” allowing you to keep the money.

What’s happening in real life?

The changes?

On Saturday, during the Government’s daily Coronavirus update, it was announced that it would shortly legislate to:

In a recent decision, [1], the High Court decided that it was not in the public interest to wind up a business rates mitigation scheme under its Insolvency Act powers, as it found that this scheme did not subvert the intention of insolvency law.

The government's response to the recent Insolvency and Corporate Governance Consultation has increased the emphasis on flexibility and the restructure and rescue of businesses. However, along with the recent October Budget, there are proposed reforms which are set to increase the focus and accountability for directors of companies.

Preliminary Moratorium

One of the key new proposals to be introduced with the aim of rescuing companies is a "Preliminary Moratorium".

The Dutch Supreme Court has confirmed the decision of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, which found that the bankruptcy of the Russian based oil company, Yukos, could not be recognised in the Netherlands because it violates Dutch public policy.

The High Court of Hong Kong refused to allow a Chapter 11 Trustee to disclose a Decision from Hong Kong winding up proceedings in the US bankruptcy court. The US proceedings were commenced to prevent a creditor from taking action following a breach of undertakings given to the Hong Kong court in circumstances where the company had no jurisdictional connection with the US.

The Australian Federal Court has clarified the limitations for foreign entities and their office holders in pursuing action in Australia to access the voidable transaction provisions of the Australian Corporations Act.