Rye News has been incorporated as a Community Interest Company at Companies House, marking a new stage in its development. Legal status gives the newspaper the benefit of limited liability protection under the Companies Acts and the ability to seek additional grant funding, if necessary. A written constitution in compliance with relevant legislation firmly establishes Rye News as a not-for-profit organisation operating for the benefit of the local community and, as part of this, the Rye Fund at Sussex Community Foundation is the nominated charity of last recourse.
Formal registration with Companies House requires the newspaper to make an annual community interest report and lodge accounts which accords with the principles of transparency and accountability to the community, both important aspects of Rye News editorial policy. The first named directors are Kenneth Bird and Dennis Leeds-George, two of the original founders.