According to its progress report, HMRC had submitted a secondary preferential claim of £5.13m, consisting of £3.48m in outstanding PAYE and national insurance contributions (NICs) and also £1.65m in VAT.

This was subsequently revised down to £3.1m following further evidence and detailed review and analysis.

The Australian battery start-up firm that rescued Britishvolt from administration has also failed to make the final payment of its acquisition agreement, which was due on 5 April 2023.

Recharge Industries bought the collapsed battery manufacturer in February for £8.57m, following its fall into administration.

It is estimated that total unsecured creditor claims may be in the region of £130m to £160m, with the largest claim being made by South West firm DC Energy, which is owed £26.6m. It had a deal with Britishvolt to supply manufacturing gear worth £86m.

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