Friendly Societies Act 1974

1974 CHAPTER 46

An Act to consolidate the Friendly Societies Acts 1896 to 1971 and certain other enactments relating to the societies to which those Acts apply with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.

[31st July 1974]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Act modified by Finance Act 1984 (c. 43, SIF 63:1), s. 73(7)–(9)

C2 Act excluded by S.I. 1987/2132, reg. 65

C3 Act excluded by S.I. 1983/408, reg. 4

C4 Act restricted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 93(1) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

C5 Act extended to N.I. (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 96(1) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

C6 Act modified (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 124(2), (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

C7 Act restricted (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 10(3)(b), 302.

C8 Act applied (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 19(2), 302.

C9 Act: power to amend conferred (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 48 s. 162 (with s. 6(8)); S.I. 1994/86 art. 2 (with ss. 6(8), 164)

Act: power to amend conferred (N.I.) (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 49 s. 158(3); S.R. 1994/17 art. 2 (with Sch. 8 para. 7(2)

Commencement Information

I1 Act partly in force at Royal Assent see s. 117(2); Act wholly in force at 1.4.1975.

The Registry of Friendly Societies U.K.

[F1 1 The Registry Office. U.K.

(1) There shall continue to be a Chief Registrar of friendly societies (in this Act called “the Chief Registrar”) and one or more assistant registrars of friendly societies for the central registration area.

(2) The Chief Registrar and assistant registrars of friendly societies for the central registration area shall constitute the central office of the registry of friendly societies.

(3) There shall continue to be an assistant registrar of friendly societies for Scotland (in this Act called the “assistant registrar for Scotland”).

(4) The central office may, with the approval of the Minister for the Civil Service, have attached to it such assistants skilled in the business of an actuary and an accountant as may be required for discharging the duties imposed on the office by this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 1 ceased to have effect (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 2 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

[F2 2 Terms of office, qualifications and status of Chief and assistant registrars. U.K.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F3

(2) One at least of the assistant registrars of friendly societies for the central registration area shall be a [F4 person who has a 7 year general qualification, within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.]

(3) The assistant registrar for Scotland shall be an advocate, writer to the signet or solicitor of not less than seven years’ standing.

(4) The Chief and every assistant registrar shall be appointed by, and shall hold his office during the pleasure of, the Treasury.

(5) Except in so far as this Act otherwise provides, the assistant registrars shall be subordinate to the Chief Registrar.]

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 2 ceased to have effect (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 2 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F3 S. 2(1) repealed by Friendly Societies Act 1981 (c. 50, SIF 55:1), s. 1

F4 Words substituted by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 37), s. 71(2), Sch. 10 para. 35

[F5 3 Salaries and expenses. U.K.

There shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament—

(a) to the Chief and assistant registrars such salaries or other remunerations as the Minister for the Civil Service may allow; and

(b) any expenses which may be incurred for carrying out the purposes of this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 3 ceased to have effect (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 2 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

4 Registration areas and functions of assistant registrars in those areas. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of this Act [F6 and the 1992 Act] there shall be two registration areas, that is to say,—

(a) the area consisting of England and Wales, [F7 Northern Ireland,] the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man; and

(b) Scotland.

(2) Any reference in this Act to the central registration area is a reference to the area specified in subsection (1)(a) above.

[F8 (2A) The central office shall maintain separate registers under this Act or, as the case may be, the 1992 Act in relation to societies whose registered offices are in Northern Ireland.]

(3) Within the registration areas for which they are respectively appointed, the assistant registrars shall exercise all functions and powers given by this Act [F9 or the 1992 Act] to the registrar and may also, by the written authority of the Chief Registrar, exercise such of the functions and powers given by this Act [F9 or the 1992 Act] to the Chief Registrar as he may delegate to them.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in s. 4(1) inserted (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 2(1)(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F7 Words in s. 4(1)(a) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 2(1)(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F8 S. 4(2A) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 2(2) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F9 Words in s. 4(3) inserted (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 2(3) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2.

[F10 5 Particular functions of assistant registrar for Scotland. U.K.

(1) Subject to any Treasury regulations, the assistant registrar for Scotland shall—

(a) send to the central office copies of all such documents registered or recorded by him as the Chief Registrar may direct; and

(b) record such documents and matters as may be sent to him for record from the central office and such other documents and matters as are in this Act required to be recorded; and

(c) circulate and publish, or transmit to or from societies registered in Scotland from or to the central office, such information and documents relating to the purposes of this Act as the Chief Registrar may, with the approval of the Treasury, direct; and

(d) report his proceedings to the Chief Registrar as he may direct.

(2) The assistant registrar for Scotland shall not refuse to record any rules or amendments of rules which have been registered by the central office.]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 5 ceased to have effect (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 2 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

[F11 6 Report of the Chief Registrar and publication of information relating to friendly societies. U.K.

(1) The Chief Registrar shall every year make a report—

(a) of his proceedings and of those of the assistant registrars;

(b) of the principal matters transacted by him and them; and

(c) of the valuations returned to the registrar during the year preceding;

and that report shall be laid before Parliament.

F12 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 6 ceased to have effect (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 2 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F12 S. 6(2) repealed (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 3, Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix.

Registration of societies and branches U.K.

7 Societies which may be registered. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) below and also to section 9 below, the following societies [F13 may remain] registered under this Act, that is to say,—

(a) societies (in this Act called “friendly societies”) for the purpose of providing by voluntary subscriptions of the members, with or without the aid of donations, for [F14 any purpose falling within Schedule 2 to the 1992 Act];

(b) societies (in this Act called “cattle insurance societies”) for the purpose of insurance to any amount against loss of cattle, sheep, lambs, swine, horses, and other animals by death from disease or otherwise;

(c) societies (in this Act called “benevolent societies”) for any benevolent or charitable purpose;

(d) societies (in this Act called “working men’s clubs”) for purposes of social intercourse, mutual helpfulness, mental and moral improvement and rational recreation;

(e) societies (in this Act called “old people’s home societies”) for the purpose of providing homes for the members and others at any age after fifty;

(f) societies (in this Act called “specially authorised societies”) for any purpose which the Treasury may authorise as a purpose to which the provisions of this Act, or such of them as are specified in the authority, ought to be extended [F15 but no society may become registered under this Act after the commencement of section 93 of the 1992 Act.]

(2) A society may not be registered under this Act unless—

(a) the rules of the society contain provisions in respect of the several matters mentioned in Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act and, in the case of a friendly society or cattle insurance society, also contain provisions in respect of the several matters mentioned in Part II of that Schedule; and

(b) the place which under the society’s rules is to be the society’s registered office is situated in the central registration area or in Scotland; and

(c) the society consists of at least seven persons.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F16

(3A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F17

(4) Where any provisions of this Act are specified in an authority given under paragraph (f) of subsection (1) above, those provisions only shall extend to a society which has been registered as a specially authorised society by virtue of that authority.

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F17

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in s. 7(1) substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 4(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F14 Words in s. 7(1)(a) substituted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 4(b) (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (with art. 10).

F15 Words in s. 7(1)(f) inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95 Sch. 16 para. 4(c) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F16 S. 7(3) repealed with saving by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 63:1), ss. 41(4), 98(6), Sch. 27 Pt. V Note 5 (and see also Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c. 1, SIF 63:1), s. 844, Sch. 29, para. 13

F17 S. 7(3A),(5) repealed with saving by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 63:1), ss. 41(4), 98(6), Sch. 27 Pt. V Note 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 7 extended (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 96(2) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2. (with arts. 3, 4, 7, 8).

F18 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F18 S. 8 repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3appendix.

9 Special provisions as to dividing societies and societies assuring annuities. U.K.

(1) A society which is neither a benevolent society nor a working men’s club shall not be disentitled to registration by reason of any rule for, or practice of, dividing any part of the funds thereof, if the rules of the society contain distinct provision for meeting all claims upon the society existing at the time of the division before any such division takes place.

F19 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F19 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 9(2)(3) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

10 Societies registered in one registration area carrying on business in another. U.K.

(1) Subsection (2) below shall have effect where a registered society whose registered office is situated in one of the registration areas for the purposes of this Act carries on, or intends to carry on, business in the other of those areas.

(2) The society shall not be entitled in that other area to any of the privileges of this Act as a registered society until a copy of the registered rules of the society has been sent by the society to, and those rules have been recorded by, the registrar for that other registration area; and any registered amendment of the rules so recorded shall not have effect in that other area until a copy of that amendment has been so sent and the amendment so recorded.

11 Additional requirements for registration of societies with branches. U.K.

F20 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) A society having a fund under the control of a central body to which every branch is bound to contribute may be registered as a single society, and where any such society has branches in more than one registration area, section 10 above shall apply to that society.

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 11(1) repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3appendix.

12 Establishment of new branches. U.K.

(1) There shall be sent to the [F21 Authority], under the hand of the secretary of a registered society,—

(a) notice of the establishment of every new branch of the society;

(b) notice of the place where the registered office of the branch, to which all communications and notices may be addressed, is to be situated;

(c) if the branch is to have trustees or officers authorised to sue and be sued on its behalf, other than the trustees or officers authorised to sue and be sued on behalf of the society, a list of the names of those trustees or officers; and

(d) two copies of the rules of the branch.

(2) A society shall not be entitled to any of the privileges of this Act as a registered society with respect to a branch until the branch has been registered [F22 in the registration area in which the registered office of the branch is to be situated].

Textual Amendments

F21 Words in s. 12(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 3(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F22 Words in s. 12(2) omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 3(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

13 Registration of branches as societies. U.K.

(1) A body which has been registered as a branch of a society shall not be registered as a society [F23 after the commencement of section 93 of the 1992 Act].

F24 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 13(1) substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.5 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F24 S. 13(2) repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3appendix.

14 Name of seceding or expelled branch. U.K.

A body which, having been a branch of a society, has wholly seceded or been expelled from that society, shall not thereafter use the name of that society or any name implying that it is a branch thereof, or the number by which it was designated as such a branch.

15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 Appeals from refusal to register. U.K.

[F25 (1) If the Authority refuses to register a branch, the branch may appeal to the High Court or, in the case of a branch whose registered office is to be situated in Scotland, the Court of Session.]

(2) If a refusal to register a F26 . . . branch is overruled on appeal, the [F27 Authority] shall give an acknowledgment of registration under [F28 section 15A] above to the F26 . . . branch.

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 16(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 5(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F26 Words in s. 16(2) repealed (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix.

F27 Word in s. 16(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 5(b)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F28 Words in s. 16(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 5(b)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Provisions as to rules U.K.

F29 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 17 repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 6(2)(3), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)) S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3appendix.

18 Registration of amendments of rules of society or branch. E+W+S

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, any amendment of the rules of a society or branch as for the time being registered under this Act shall not be valid until the amendment has been so registered, and for this purpose copies of the amendment, signed by three members and the secretary of the society or of the branch, as the case may be, shall be sent to the [F30 Authority].

(2) Subsection (1) above shall not apply to a change in the situation of the registered office of a society or branch, but—

(a) notice of any change in the situation of the registered office of a society or branch shall be sent to the [F30 Authority] and, in the case of a change in the situation of the registered office of a branch, shall be sent to the [F30 Authority] through an officer appointed in that behalf by the society of which the branch forms part; and

(b) where notice of such a change is sent to the [F30 Authority] under paragraph (a) above, [F31 the Authority] shall register it as an amendment of the rules of the society or branch concerned.

Textual Amendments

F30 Words in s. 18(1)(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 6(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F31 Words in s. 18(2)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 6(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

19 Acknowledgment of registration of amendments of rules. U.K.

On being satisfied that any amendment of the registered rules of a society or branch is not contrary to the provisions of this Act, the [F32 Authority] shall issue to the society or branch, in respect of that amendment, an acknowledgment of registration which shall be conclusive evidence that the amendment is duly registered.

Textual Amendments

F32 Word in s. 19 substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 7 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

20 Appeals from refusal to register amendment of rule. U.K.

[F33 (1) If the Authority refuses to register an amendment of a rule of a registered society or branch, the society or branch may appeal to the High Court or, in the case of a society or branch whose registered office is situated in Scotland, the Court of Session.]

(2) If a refusal to register an amendment of a rule is over-ruled on appeal, the [F34 Authority] shall give an acknowledgment of registration under section 19 above to the society or branch.

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 20(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 8(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F34 Word in s. 20(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 8(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

21 Duty to supply copies of rules. U.K.

Every registered society or branch shall deliver to any person on demand, on payment of a [F35 reasonable fee], a copy of the rules of the society or branch.

Textual Amendments

F35 Words in s. 21 substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.7 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 21 extended by S.I. 1977/1144, reg. 3(4)

C12 S. 21 extended by S.I. 1980/1947, reg. 3(3)

22 Rules of certain registered societies to bind members at law. U.K.

(1) The rules of—

(a) a registered cattle insurance society or branch, and

(b) such specially authorised societies or branches thereof as the Treasury may allow to take the benefit of this section,

shall bind the society or branch and the members thereof, and all persons claiming through them, to the same extent as if each member had subscribed his name and affixed his seal hereto, and as if there were contained in the rules a covenant on the part of himself and his executors or administrators to conform to the rules subject to the provisions of this Act.

(2) All sums of money payable by a member to a society or branch falling within subsection (1) above shall be deemed to be a debt due from the member to the society or branch and shall be recoverable as such in the county court for the district in which the member resides.

(3) In the application of this section to Scotland, in subsection (1) the words “and affixed his seal” shall be omitted, and in subsection (2) for the words “in the county court for the district” there shall be substituted the words “ before the sheriff of the sheriffdom ”.

23 Special provisions which may be included in rules. U.K.

(1) The rules of a registered society or branch may provide for the reinsurance, to such extent as may from time to time be approved by a qualified actuary, of risks of any class against which persons are, or are to be, insured by that society or branch.

(2) The rules of a registered society which is a specially authorised society complying with the provisions of subsection (3) below may provide that it may receive deposits and borrow money at interest from its members or from other persons, and upon the registration of such a rule the same shall be valid.

(3) A specially authorised society complies with the provisions of this subsection if it has for its object the creation of funds to be lent out to the members of the society or for their benefit, and has in its rules provisions—

(a) that no part of its funds shall be divided by way of profit, bonus, dividend or otherwise among its members; and

(b) that all money lent to members shall be applied to such purpose as the society or its committee may approve.

Trustees and Officers U.K.

[F36 24 Trustees of registered societies and branches. U.K.

(1) Every registered society and branch shall have one or more trustees.

(2) The trustees may be appointed—

(a) by a resolution of the society or branch in general meeting; or

(b) in such other manner as the rules of the society or branch may provide.

(3) If a trustee is appointed under subsection (2)(a) above, the society or branch shall send to the [F37 Authority] a copy of the resolution appointing him, signed by the trustee so appointed and by the secretary of the society or branch.

(4) If a trustee is appointed under subsection (2)(b) above, the society or branch shall send to the [F37 Authority]—

(a) notice of his appointment signed by the secretary of the society or branch; and

(b) an acceptance of office signed by the trustee so appointed.

(5) In the case of the appointment of a trustee of a branch, any document referred to in subsection (3) or (4) above shall be sent to the [F37 Authority] through an officer appointed in that behalf by the society of which the branch forms part.

(6) The same person may not be a secretary or treasurer of a registered society or branch and also a trustee of that society or branch.]

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 24 substituted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 9 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2 Sch. 6.

F37 Words in s. 24(3)-(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 9 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

25 Minors not to hold office. U.K.

A minor shall not be a member of the committee, or a trustee, manager or treasurer, of a registered society or branch.

[F38 26 Proof of appointment of officers and trustees. U.K.

If any such list as is referred to in section 12(1)(c) above is signed—

(a) by every trustee and other officer named in the list; and

(b) by the secretary of the branch,

then on the registration of the branch the list shall be evidence that the persons so named have been duly appointed.]

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 26 substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.10 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F39 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F39 Ss. 27, 28 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 11, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

F40 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F40 Ss. 27, 28 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 11, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

Accounts, audit and auditors U.K.

29 Books of account, etc. U.K.

(1) Every registered society and branch shall—

(a) cause to be kept proper books of account with respect to its transactions and its assets and liabilities, and

(b) establish and maintain a satisfactory system of control of its books of account, its cash holdings and all its receipts and remittances.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) above, proper books of account shall not be taken to be kept with respect to the matters mentioned in that paragraph unless there are kept such books as are necessary to give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the society or branch and to explain its transactions.

(3) Any book of account to be kept by a registered society or branch may be kept either by making entries in bound books or by recording the matters in question in any other manner.

(4) Where any such book of account is not kept by making entries in a bound book but by some other means, the society or branch shall take adequate precautions for guarding against falsification and for facilitating its discovery.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

30 General provisions as to accounts and balance sheets. U.K.

(1) Every revenue account of a registered society or branch shall give a true and fair view—

(a) if it deals with the affairs of the society or branch as a whole, of the income and expenditure of the society or branch as a whole for the period to which the account relates; and

(b) if it deals with a particular business conducted by the society or branch, of the income and expenditure of the society or branch in respect of that business for the period to which the account relates.

(2) Every registered society or branch shall, in respect of each year of account, cause to be prepared either—

(a) a revenue account which deals with the affairs of the society or branch as a whole for that year; or

(b) two or more revenue accounts for that year which deal separately with the particular businesses conducted by the society or branch.

(3) In a case falling within subsection (2)(b) above, without prejudice to the application of subsection (1)(b) above to each revenue account dealing with a particular business conducted by a society or branch, the revenue accounts in question, when considered together, shall give a true and fair view of the income and expenditure of the society or branch as a whole for the year of account to which they relate.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) below, every balance sheet of a registered society or branch shall give a true and fair view, as at the date of the balance sheet, of the state of the affairs of the society or branch.

(5) Subsection (4) above does not apply in the case of—

F41 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) a specially authorised society or branch which, by virtue of a direction in the authority for registering that society or branch, is required to carry out a valuation under section 41 below,

but every balance sheet of a society or branch falling within F41 . . . paragraph (b) above shall give a true and fair view, as at the date of the balance sheet, of the assets and current liabilities of the society or branch and the resulting balances of its funds.

(6 )F42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (6) above, a registered society or branch falling within paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of subsection (5) above shall not publish any balance sheet which does not include a statement containing the same particulars as the statement required to be included in the annual return of that society or branch by section 43(5) below.

(8) If in relation to any revenue account, revenue accounts or balance sheet of a registered society or branch, a member of the committee thereof fails to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance—

(a) with subsection (1), subsection (4) or, as the case may require, subsection (5) above, or

(b) in a case falling within subsection (2)(b) above, with subsection (3) above,

he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F43 level 5 on the standard scale]unless he proves that he had reasonable grounds to believe, and did believe, that a competent and reliable person was charged with the duty of seeing that the relevant provision was complied with and was in a position to discharge that duty.

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 30(5)(a) and words repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with s. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 appendix.

F42 S. 30(6) repealed (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 11(2)

F43 Words substituted (E.W.S.) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (with art. 7) (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

[F44 30A Publication of accounts and balance sheets. U.K.

(1) A registered society or branch shall not publish any revenue account or balance sheet unless it has been signed by the secretary of the society or branch and by two members of its committee acting on the committee’s behalf.

(2) Where at the end of a registered society’s or branch’s year of account no disapplication under section 32A(1) below is in force in relation to the year, the society or branch shall not publish a year end revenue account or balance sheet unless—

(a) it has been previously audited by the auditor or auditors last appointed to audit the accounts and balance sheet of the society or branch, and

(b) it incorporates a report by the auditor or auditors stating whether in their opinion it complies with subsection (1), (4) or, as the case may be, (5) of section 30 above.

(3) Where at the end of a registered society’s or branch’s year of account a disapplication under section 32A(1) below is in force in relation to the year and the society’s or branch’s turnover in the preceding year of account exceeded £90,000, the society or branch shall not publish a year end revenue account or balance sheet unless—

(a) it is one on which the society or branch has obtained from a person appointed under subsection (2) of section 39A below a report which meets the requirements of subsection (3) of that section, and

(b) it incorporates so much of the report as relates to it.

(4) Where at the beginning of a year of account (in this subsection referred to as “the current year of account” a registered society or branch is subject to subsection (2) above in relation to the publication of a year end revenue account or balance sheet for the preceding year of account, it shall not publish any interim revenue account or balance sheet for the current year of account—

(a) if a disapplication under section 32A(1) below is in force in relation to that year, unless it incorporates a report by an appropriate person stating whether in his opinion it complies with subsection (1), (3) or, as the case may be, (5) of section 30 above, and

(b) if no disapplication under section 32A(1) below is in force in relation to that year, unless paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) above are met in relation to it.

(5) Where at the beginning of a year of account (in this subsection referred to as “the current year of account”) a registered society or branch is subject to subsection (3) above in relation to the publication of a year end revenue account or balance sheet for the preceding year of account, it shall not publish any interim revenue account or balance sheet for the current year of account unless it incorporates a report by an appropriate person stating—

(a) whether, in his opinion, the revenue account, or, as the case may be, the balance sheet, is in agreement with the books of account kept by the society or branch under section 29 above, and

(b) whether, in his opinion, on the basis of the information contained in those books of account, the revenue account or, as the case may be, the balance sheet complies with the requirements of this Act.

(6) Where a registered society’s or branch’s year of account is one in relation to which a direction under section 39C below has effect, the society or branch shall not publish any year end or interim revenue account or balance sheet, unless it incorporates a report by the auditor or auditors appointed in pursuance of the direction stating whether in their opinion it complies with subsection (1), (3) or, as the case may be, (5) of section 30 above.

(7) Subsection (3) above shall cease to apply in relation to a year of account if a direction under section 39C below is made in relation to it.

(8) Section 39B below shall apply in relation to a person appointed for the purposes of subsection (4) or (5) above as it applies in relation to a person appointed under section 39A(2) below.

(9) In subsection (4) above, references to a disapplication under section 32A(1) below being in force in relation to a year of account shall, where the year of account has ended, be construed as references to a disapplication under that provision being in force at the end of the year.

(10) Subject to subsection (11) below, in subsections (4) and (5) above, references to an appropriate person are to a person who is—

(a) a qualified auditor for the purposes of this Act, and

(b) not ineligible by virtue of section 37(1) below to be appointed as auditor of the society or branch.

(11) In relation to the application of subsection (4) above to a registered society or branch which—

(a) was an exempt society or an exempt branch in respect of the preceding year of account, and

(b) appointed persons who were not qualified auditors to audit its accounts and balance sheet for that year,

subsection (10) above shall, if the year is not one in relation to which the [F45 Authority] has given a direction under section 32(2) below, have effect with the omission of paragraph (a).

(12) In this section—

“interim balance sheet”, in relation to a year of account, means a balance sheet relating to the position at a time in the year other than the end;

“interim revenue account”, in relation to a year of account, means a revenue account for any period falling within the year of account, other than one ending at the end of the year;

“turnover” has the same meaning as in section 32A below;

“year end balance sheet”, in relation to a year of account, means a balance sheet relating to the position at the end of the year; and

“year end revenue account”, in relation to a year of account, means a revenue account for the year or for any period falling within the year of account and ending at the end of the year.]

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 30A inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 11(3)

F45 Word in s. 30A(11) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 10 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

31 Obligation to appoint auditors. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section [F46 and section 32A(1) below], every registered society and branch shall, in each year of account, appoint a qualified auditor or qualified auditors to audit its accounts and balance sheet for that year.

(2) Subsection (1) above shall not apply to a society or branch [F47 (not being a collecting society or branch thereof)] if—

(a) the receipts and payments of that society or branch in respect of the preceding year of account did not, in the aggregate, exceed £5,000; and

(b) the number of its members at the end of that year did not exceed 500; and

(c) the value of its assets at the end of that year did not, in the aggregate, exceed £5,000.

(3) Without prejudice to subsection (2) above, subsection (1) above shall not apply to a registered branch if—

(a) the conditions specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) above are satisfied in respect of that branch; and

(b) at the end of the preceding year of account at least 75% of its assets had been transferred to the society of which it is a branch or to another registered branch of that society for the purpose of being invested, in accordance with section 46(2) below, by that society or other branch, and the value of its assets not so transferred did not, in the aggregate, exceed £5,000; and

(c) the society or branch to which the assets were transferred is one to which subsection (1) above applies in the year of account in question.

(4) A registered society or branch to which, by virtue of subsection (2) or subsection (3) above, subsection (1) above does not apply in respect of any year of account is in this Act referred to as an exempt society or, as the case may be, an exempt branch, in respect of that year of account.

(5) Regulations made by the [F48 Treasury], may—

(a) substitute for any sum or number for the time being specified in subsection (2) above, or for any sum or percentage for the time being specified in subsection (3) above, such sum, number or percentage as may be specified in the regulations; and

(b) prescribe what receipts and payments of a society shall be taken into account for the purposes of those subsections;

and any such regulations may make different provision in relation to different cases or different circumstances.

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in S. 31(1) inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 11(4)

F47 Words in s. 31(2) omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2(b), 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 11(a), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F48 Word in s. 31(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2(b), 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 11(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

32 Audit of exempt societies and branches. U.K.

(1) Subject to any direction given by the [F49 Authority] under subsection (2) below, every registered society or branch which is an exempt society or an exempt branch in respect of the current year of account shall in that year appoint at its option either—

(a) a qualified auditor or qualified auditors, or

(b) two or more persons who are not qualified auditors,

to audit its accounts and balance sheet for that year.

(2) The [F49 Authority] may give a direction in the case of any particular society or branch which is an exempt society or branch in respect of the current year of account requiring it to appoint a qualified auditor to audit its accounts and balance sheet for that year.

(3) The [F49 Authority] may give a direction in the case of any particular society or branch which was an exempt society or branch in respect of any year of account before that in which the direction is given and did not appoint a qualified auditor or qualified auditors to audit its accounts and balance sheet for that year—

(a) requiring it to appoint a qualified auditor to audit those accounts and that balance sheet, and

(b) in a case where that society or branch has sent to [F50 the Authority] its annual return for that year before the date of the direction, requiring it, after its accounts and balance sheet have been audited by a qualified auditor, to send to [F50 the Authority] within three months from receipt of the direction a further annual return complying with the requirements of this Act (other than the requirement as to the time at which the annual return must be sent).

(4) A failure by a registered society or branch to comply with any direction given by the [F49 Authority] under this section shall be an offence under this Act.

Textual Amendments

F49 Words in s. 32(1)-(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 12(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F50 Words in s. 32(3)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 12(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

[F51 32A Power of societies to disapply section 31. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, a registered society or branch may disapply section 31 above in relation to a year of account beginning on or after the day on which the Deregulation (Industrial and Provident Societies) Order 1996 comes into force if—

(a) the value of its assets at the end of the preceding year of account did not in the aggregate exceed £1,400,000, and

(b) its turnover for that year did not exceed £350,000.

(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) above shall be exercisable by resolution passed at a general meeting of the society or branch at which—

(a) less than 20 per cent. of the total votes cast are cast against the resolution, and

(b) less than 10 per cent. of the members of the society or branch for the time being entitled under the body’s rules to vote cast their votes against the resolution.

(3) Subsection (1) above shall not apply to a society or branch which holds, or has, at any time since the end of the preceding year of account, held, a deposit within the meaning of the Banking Act 1987.

(4) The [F52 Authority] may by notice to a society or branch disapply subsection (1) above in relation to the year of account of the society or branch in which the notice is given.

(5) Where a society or branch exercises the power conferred by subsection (1) above, the disapplication shall cease to have effect if at any time before the end of the year of account to which it relates—

(a) the society or branch becomes one to which subsection (3) above applies, or

(b) the [F52 Authority]gives to the society or branch notice under subsection (4) above.

(6) In the case of a society or branch which is a charity within the meaning of the Charities Act 1993, a recognised body as defined by section 1(7) of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 or a charity within the meaning of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 F53 subsection (1) above shall have effect with the substitution for paragraph (b) of—

“(b) its gross income for that year did not exceed £250,000.”

(7) For a period which is a society’s or branch’s year of account, but not in fact a year, the maximum figure in subsection (1)(b) above (including that provision as it has effect by virtue of subsection(6) above) shall be proportionately adjusted.

(8) In this section, “turnover”, in relation to a society or branch, means the amounts derived from the provision of goods and services falling within the society’s or branch’s activities, after deduction of—

(a) trade discounts,

(b) value added tax, and

(c) any other taxes based on the amounts so derived.]

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 32A inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 10(1)

F52 Words in s. 32A(4)(5)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 13 (with art. 13(2), Sch. 5)

F53 1964 c. 33 (N.I.).

33 Re-appointment and removal of auditors. U.K.

(1) A qualified auditor appointed to audit the accounts and balance sheet of a registered society or branch for the preceding year of account shall be reappointed as auditor of the society for the current year of account unless—

(a) a resolution has been passed at a general meeting of the society or branch appointing somebody instead of him or providing expressly that he shall not be reappointed; or [F54 or disapplying section 31 above in relation to the current year of account]

(b) he has given to the society or branch notice in writing of his unwillingness to be reappointed; or

(c) he is ineligible for appointment as auditor of the society or branch for the current year of account; or

(d) he has ceased to act as auditor of the society or branch by reason of death or incapacity.

(2) Where notice is given of an intended resolution to appoint at a general meeting some person or persons in place of a retiring auditor and the resolution cannot be proceeded with at the meeting because of the death or incapacity of that person or persons, or because he or they are ineligible for appointment as auditor or auditors of the society or branch for the current year of account (as the case may be), the retiring auditor shall not be automatically reappointed by virtue of subsection (1) above.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a person is ineligible for appointment as auditor of a registered society or branch for the current year of account if, but only if,—

(a) his appointment in relation to the society or branch is prohibited by section 37 below, or

(b) (in the case of a society or branch which is not an exempt society or branch in respect of that year of account) he is not a qualified auditor at the time when the question of his appointment falls to be considered.

Textual Amendments

F54 Words in S. 33(1)(a) inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 11(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

34 Notice of resolutions relating to appointment and removal of auditors. U.K.

(1) A resolution at a general meeting of a registered society or branch—

(a) appointing another person as auditor in place of a retiring qualified auditor, or

(b) providing expressly that a retiring qualified auditor shall not be reappointed,

shall not be effective unless notice of the intention to move the resolution has been given to the society or branch not less than twenty-eight days before the meeting at which it is moved.

(2) Where notice of the intention to move any such resolution has been given under subsection (1) above to a society or branch which is required by its rules to give notice to its members of the meeting at which the resolution is to be moved, the society or branch shall, if it is practical to do so, give them notice of the resolution at the same time and in the same manner as it gives notice of the meeting.

(3) Where notice of the intention to move any such resolution has been given to a registered society or branch under subsection (1) above, and that society or branch does not give notice of the resolution under subsection (2) above, it shall give notice of the resolution to its members not less than fourteen days before the meeting at which the resolution is to be moved either by advertisement in a newspaper having an appropriate circulation or in any other way allowed by the rules of the society or branch.

(4) Where—

(a) for any of the reasons mentioned in section 33(2) above, an intended resolution to appoint some person or persons in place of a retiring qualified auditor cannot be proceeded with at the meeting, and

(b) by the rules of the registered society or branch an auditor can only be appointed by a resolution passed at a general meeting after notice of the intended resolution has been given to the society or branch before the meeting;

a resolution passed at that meeting reappointing the retiring auditor or appointing an auditor in place of the retiring auditor shall be effective notwithstanding that no notice of that resolution has been given to the society or branch under its rules.

(5) Any provision in this section which requires notice to be given to the members of a society or branch shall be construed, in the case of a meeting of delegates appointed by members, as requiring the notice to be given to the delegates so appointed.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2 Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

35 Proceedings subsequent to receipt of notice under s. 34. U.K.

(1) On receipt by a registered society or branch of notice given under section 34(1) above, the society or branch shall forthwith send a copy of the notice to the retiring auditor.

(2) On receipt of a copy of such a notice, the retiring auditor may at any time before the date of the general meeting make representations in writing to the society or branch (not exceeding a reasonable length) with respect to the intended resolution, and, without prejudice to the preceding provision, the retiring auditor may—

(a) notify the society or branch that he intends to make such representations; and

(b) request that notice of his intention, or of any such representations made by him and received by the society or branch before notice of the intended resolution is given to its members, shall be given to members of the society or branch.

(3) Subject to subsection (4) below, a society or branch which receives representations or a notification of intended representations under subsection (2) above before the date when notice of the intended resolution is required by subsection (2) or (as the case may be) subsection (3) of section 34 above to be given to its members shall—

(a) in any notice of the resolution given to its members, state that it has received those representations or that notification (as the case may be),

(b) in any such notice, state that any member may receive on demand made before the date of the general meeting a copy of any representations which have been or may be received by the society or branch before that date, and

(c) send a copy of any representations received by the society or branch before the date of the meeting to any member on demand made before that date;

but without prejudice either to the preceding provisions of this subsection or to his right to be heard orally, the retiring auditor may also require that any representations made by him before the date of the general meeting shall be read out at the meeting.

(4) Copies of any such representations need not be sent out, and the representations need not be read out at the meeting, if, on the application either of the society or branch or of any other person, the High Court is satisfied that the rights conferred by this section are being abused to secure needless publicity for defamatory matter; and the court may order the costs of the society or branch on an application under this section to be paid, in whole or in part, by the auditor, notwithstanding that he is not a party to the application.

(5) In the application of subsection (4) above to a society or branch [F55 whose registered office is situated in] Scotland, for the reference to the High Court there shall be substituted a reference to the Court of Session and for the reference to costs there shall be substituted a reference to expenses.

[F56 (5A) In the application of subsection (4) above to a society whose registered office is in Northern Ireland, the reference to the High Court shall be construed as a reference to the High Court in Northern Ireland.]

(6) Any provision in this section which requires notice to be given to the members of a society or branch or confers any right upon a member (as the case may be) shall be construed, in the case of a meeting of delegates appointed by members, as requiring a notice to be given to the delegates so appointed or as conferring the right upon a delegate (as the case may be).

Textual Amendments

F55 Words in s. 35(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2(b), 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 13 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F56 S. 35(5A) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 13 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

36 Qualified auditors. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, no person shall be a qualified auditor for the purposes of this Act unless [F57 he is eligible for appointment as a company auditor under section 25 of the Companies Act 1989.]

[F58 (2) Subject to subsection (3) below, for the purposes of any provision (except subsections (2) and (3) of section 32) of this Act a person who is not a qualified auditor under subsection (1) above shall nevertheless be a qualified auditor in relation to any particular registered society or branch if—

(a) he was on 26th July 1968 an approved auditor appointed by the Treasury under section 30 of the M1 Friendly Societies Act 1896, and

(b) he audited the accounts and balance sheet of that society or branch for the year of account immediately preceding the year of account comprising that date and for every year of account since the first-mentioned year until the current year of account.]

[(3) The Chief Registrar may at any time direct that a person who is a qualified auditor in relation to a particular society or branch or particular societies or branches by virtue of subsection (2) above shall cease to be so qualified from the date of that direction.]

Textual Amendments

F57 Words in s. 36(1) substituted (E.W.S) by S.I. 1991/1997, reg. 2, Sch. para. 24(2) (with reg. 4).

F58 S. 36(2)(3) omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 15 (with para. 13(3), Sch. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

Marginal Citations

M1 1896 c. 25.

37 Restrictions on appointment of auditors. U.K.

(1) None of the following persons may be appointed as auditor of a registered society or branch, that is to say,—

(a) an officer or servant of the society or branch; or

(b) a person who is a partner of, or in the employment of, or who employs, an officer or servant of the society or branch; or

F59 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F59 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) Any appointment made by a registered society or branch in contravention of this section shall not be an effective appointment for the purposes of this Act.

(4) References in subsection (1) above to an officer or servant shall be construed as not including an auditor.

Extent Information

E1 S. 37 extends to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands but does not extend to Northern Ireland.

Textual Amendments

F59 S. 37(1)(c)(2) omitted (E.W.S.) by virtue of S.I. 1991/1997, reg. 2, Sch. para. 24(3) (with reg. 4).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

38 Auditors’ report. U.K.

(1) The auditors of a registered society or branch shall make a report to the society or branch on the accounts examined by them and on the revenue account or accounts and the balance sheet of the society or branch for the year of account in respect of which they are appointed.

(2) The report shall state whether the revenue account or accounts and the balance sheet for that year comply with the requirements of this Act and whether, in the opinion of the auditors—

(a) the revenue account or accounts give a true and fair view, in accordance with section 30 above, of the income and expenditure of the society or branch as a whole for that year of account and, in the case of each such account which deals with a particular business conducted by the society or branch, a true and fair view in accordance with that section of the income and expenditure of the society or branch in respect of that business for that year; and

(b) the balance sheet gives a true and fair view, in accordance with that section, either of the state of the affairs of the society or branch or of the assets and current liabilities of the society or branch and the resulting balances of its funds (as the case may require) as at the end of that year of account.

(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (2) above, where the report of the auditors relates to any accounts other than the revenue account or accounts for the year of account in respect of which they are appointed, that report shall state whether those accounts give a true and fair view of any matter to which they relate.

(4) It shall be the duty of the auditors of a registered society or branch, in preparing their report under this section, to carry out such investigations as will enable them to form an opinion as to the following matters, that is to say,—

(a) whether the society or branch has kept proper books of account in accordance with the requirements of section 29(1)(a) above; and

(b) whether the society or branch has maintained a satisfactory system of control over its transactions in accordance with the requirements of section 29(1)(b) above; and

(c) whether the revenue account or accounts, the other accounts (if any) to which the report relates, and the balance sheet are in agreement with the books of account of the society or branch;

and if the auditors are of opinion that the society or branch has failed to comply with paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of section 29(1) above, or if the revenue account or accounts, the other accounts (if any) and the balance sheet are not in agreement with the books of account of the society or branch, the auditors shall state that fact in their report.

(5) If the auditors fail to obtain all the information and explanations which, to the best of their knowledge and belief, are necessary for the purposes of their audit, they shall state that fact in their report.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (with art. 8) (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

39 Auditors’ right of access to books and to attend and be heard at meetings. U.K.

(1) Every auditor of a registered society or branch—

(a) shall have a right of access at all times to the books, deeds and accounts of the society or branch and to all other documents relating to its affairs; and

(b) shall be entitled to require from the officers of the society or branch such information and explanations as he thinks necessary for the performance of the duties of the auditors.

(2) The auditors of a registered society or branch shall be entitled—

(a) to attend any general meeting of the society or branch, and to receive all notices of, and other communications relating to, any general meeting which any member of the society or branch is entitled to receive; and

(b) to be heard at any meeting which they attend on any part of the business of the meeting which concerns them as auditors.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

[F60 39A Duty to obtain accountant’s report where section 31 disapplied. U.K.

(1) Subsection (2) below applies where—

(a) at the end of a registered society’s or branch’s year of account a disapplication under section 32A(1) above is in force in relation to the year, and

(b) the society’s or branch’s turnover in the preceding year of account exceeded £90,000.

(2) The society or branch shall, before the end of the period of 28 days beginning immediately after the end of the year of account, appoint an appropriate person to make—

(a) a report on its accounts and balance sheet for the year which meets the requirements of subsection (3) below, and

(b) a report relating to the preceding year of account which meets the requirement of subsection (4) below.

(3) A report for the purposes of subsection (2)(a) above shall—

(a) state whether, in the opinion of the person making the report, the revenue account or accounts, the other accounts (if any) to which the report relates, and the balance sheet are in agreement with the books of account kept by the society or branch under section 29 above, and

(b) state whether, in that person’s opinion, on the basis of the information contained in those books of account, the revenue account or accounts and the balance sheet comply with the requirements of this Act.

(4) A report for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) above shall state whether in the opinion of the person making the report the financial criteria for the exercise of the power conferred by section 32A(1) above were met in relation to the year.

(5) In subsection (2) above, the reference to an appropriate person is to a person who is—

(a) a qualified auditor for the purposes of this Act, and

(b) not ineligible by virtue of section 37(1) above to be appointed as auditor of the society or branch.

(6) In this section, “turnover” has the same meaning as in section 32A above.]

Textual Amendments

F60 Ss. 39A-39C inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 10(2)

39B Rights of person appointed under section 39A(2). U.K.

F61 (1) A person appointed under section 39A(2) above shall, for the purposes of his appointment—

(a) have a right of access at all times to the books, deeds and accounts of the relevant society or branch, and to all other documents relating to its affairs, and

(b) be entitled to require from the officers of the relevant society or branch such information and explanations as that person thinks necessary.

(2) If a person appointed under section 39A(2) above fails to obtain all the information and explanations which, to the best of that person’s knowledge and belief, are necessary for purposes of doing what he has been appointed to do, that fact shall be stated in his report.

(3) A person appointed under section 39A(2) above shall be entitled—

(a) to receive notice of, and attend, any general meeting of the relevant society or branch at which any relevant matter is discussed, and

(b) to be heard at any such general meeting which he attends on any part of the business of the meeting which relates to any relevant matter.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) above, the following are relevant matters, namely—

(a) any report of the person appointed under subsection (2) of section 39A above, and

(b) any matter which is relevant to what that person has been appointed under that subsection to do.

(5) In this section, references to the relevant society or branch, in relation to a person appointed under section 39A(2) above, are to the society or branch responsible for his appointment under that provision.

Textual Amendments

F61 Ss. 39A-39C inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 10(2)

39C [F62 Authority’s]power to require accounts of past years to be audited. U.K.

F63 (1) The [F64 Authority] may give a direction to a registered society or branch in respect of any relevant year of account of the society or branch before the year of account in which the direction is given—

(a) requiring it to appoint a qualified auditor or qualified auditors to audit its accounts and balance sheet for that year, and

(b) where it has sent to [F64 theAuthority]its annual return for that year before the date of the direction, requiring it, after its accounts and balance sheet have been audited by a qualified auditor, to send [F64 the Authority]within three months from receipt of the direction a further annual return complying with the requirements of this Act (other than that as to time of sending).

(2) A failure by a registered society or branch to comply with any direction given by the [F64 Authority] under subsection (1) above shall be an offence under this Act.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) above, a year of account of a registered society or branch is relevant year of account if it is one at the end of which there is in force in relation to it a disapplication under section 32A(1) above.

Textual Amendments

F62 Word in s. 39C side-note substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 16(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F63 Ss. 39A-39C inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 10(2)

F64 Words in s. 39C(1)(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 16(b)(c) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

40 Remuneration of qualified auditors. U.K.

(1) Regulations made by the [F65 Chief Registrar with the consent of the] Treasury under section 10 of the M2 Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968 may prescribe the maximum rates of remuneration to be paid by registered societies and branches for the audit of their accounts and balance sheets by qualified auditors [F66 or for the making of a report for the purposes of section 30A(4)(a) or (5) or 39A(2)(a) or (b) above].

(2) No auditor [F67 or reporting accountant] of a registered society or branch shall ask for, receive, or be entitled to receive, remuneration in excess of the rate prescribed in respect of his services by regulations made by virtue of this section.

[F68 (3) For the purposes of regulations made by virtue of this section, section 10 of the Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968 shall be taken to extend to Northern Ireland.]

[F69 (4) In this section, “reporting accountant” means a person appointed to make a report for the purposes of section 30A(4)(a) or (5) or 39A(2)(a) or (b) above]

Textual Amendments

F65 Words in s. 40(1) omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 17 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F66 Words in s. 40(1) inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 art. 11(6)

F67 Words in s. 40(2) inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738, art. 11(7)

F68 S. 40(3) added (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 14 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F69 S. 40(4) inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 art. 11(8)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

Marginal Citations

M2 1968 c. 55.

Valuations and annual returns U.K.

41 Valuations. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, every registered society and branch, once at least in every five years, shall—

(a) cause its assets and liabilities to be valued by a qualified actuary appointed by the society or branch; and

(b) send to the [F70 Authority] a report on the condition of the society or branch;

and every valuation report shall be made in such form and shall contain such particulars as the [F71 Authority may direct].

(2) For the purpose of any such valuation as is referred to in subsection (1) above, the Treasury—

(a) may appoint valuers (in this Act referred to as “public valuers”) who shall be qualified actuaries; and

(b) may determine the rates of remuneration to be paid by societies and branches for the services of those public valuers.

(3) When a valuation is made under subsection (1) above, the report sent to the [F72 Authority] under paragraph (b) of that subsection—

(a) shall be signed by the actuary who made the valuation and shall state his address; and

(b) shall contain an abstract to be made by the actuary of the results of his valuation, together with a statement containing such information with respect to the benefits assured and the contributions receivable by the society or branch, and of its funds and effects, debts and credits, as the [F72 Authority] may require.

(4) Subsection (1) above shall not apply—

(a) to a benevolent society, working men’s club, old people’s home society, cattle insurance society or to a branch of any such society or club; or

(b) to a specially authorised society or branch unless it is so directed in the authority for registering that society or branch.

(3) The [F73 Authority] may dispense with the provisions of subsection (1) above in respect of societies or branches to whose purposes, or to the nature of whose operations, [F74 it] may deem those provisions inapplicable.

(6) The [F75 Authority] may dispense with the provisions of subsection (1) above in respect of any particular business conducted by a registered society or branch if, in [F76 the Authority’s] opinion, those provisions are inapplicable to that business because of the nature of the business or the manner in which it is conducted, and in relation to any such society or branch on which a partial exemption is conferred under this subsection, subsection (1) above shall have effect (subject to any regulations made or direction given under section 42 below) as if—

(a) it required that society or branch once at least in every five years to cause its assets and liabilities in respect of any business other than the business to which the partial exemption relates to be valued under this section; and

(b) the report required to be sent to the [F77 Authority] under subsection (1) above were a report on the assets and liabilities so valued.

Textual Amendments

F70 Words in s. 41(1)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(a)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F71 Words in s. 41(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(a)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F72 Words in s. 41(3) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F73 It is provided that in s. 41(5) for the words “Chief Registrar” there is substituted the word “Authority” (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(c)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F74 It is provided that in s. 41(5) for the word “he” there is substituted the word “it” (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(c)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F75 Word in s. 41(6) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(d)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F76 Words in s. 41(6) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(d)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F77 Words in s. 41(6)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 18(d)(iii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 Ss. 41(1),43(6) extended by S.I. 1987/2132, reg. 60(1)

C26 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (with art. 7) (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

S.I. 1995/710 arts. 1(2) (in force 1.4.1995) for the year ending 31.12.1993 it is provided that s. 41 shall continue to have effect (temp.) for the purposes mentioned.

42 Regulations and directions [F78 of Chief Registrar] relating to valuations. U.K.

(1) The [F79 Treasury] may by regulations provide that in relation to any registered society or branch of a class specified in the regulations, section 41 above shall have effect as if for the period of five years specified in subsection (1) of that section there were substituted a period of three years.

(2) The [F79 Treasury]may by regulations provide that in relation to any registered society or branch of a class specified in the regulations, section 41 above shall have effect as if it required the society or branch—

(a) to cause its assets and liabilities in respect of any business of a class so specified to be valued under that section and to send to the [F80 Authority] a report of those assets and liabilities at least once in every three years; and

(b) to cause its assets and liabilities in respect of any other business (other than business to which a partial exemption under subsection (6) of section 41 above relates) to be so valued and to send to the [F80 Authority] a report on those assets and liabilities at least once in every five years.

[F81 (3) The Chief Registrar may by regulations provide that every society or branch of a class specified in the regulations which is or was first registered under this Act or under the M3 Friendly Societies Act 1896 after 25th July 1968 shall cause its assets and liabilities to be valued for the first time under section 41 above as at a date so specified.]

(4) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this section, if in the opinion of the [F82 Authority] it is expedient in the interests of the members of any particular registered society or branch to do so, [F82 the Authority] may direct that, in relation to that society or branch, section 41 above shall have effect—

(a) as if for the period of five years specified in subsection (1) of that section there were specified a period of three years; or

(b) as if it required that society or branch—

(i) to cause its assets and liabilities in respect of any particular business specified in the direction to be valued under that section and to send to the [F82 Authority] a report on those assets and liabilities at least once in every three years; and

(ii) to cause its assets and liabilities in respect of any other business (other than business to which a partial exemption under subsection (6) of that section relates) to be so valued and to send to the [F82 Authority] a report on those assets and liabilities at least once in every five years.

(5) The [F83 Authority]may at any time revoke a direction given by [F84 it] under subsection (4) above.

(6) Any power to make regulations under this section may be exercised so as to make different provision in relation to different cases or different circumstances to which the power is applicable.

Textual Amendments

F78 Words in s. 42 side-note omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 19(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F79 Words in s. 42(1)(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 19(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F80 Words in s. 42(2)(a)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 19(c) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F81 S. 42(3) omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 19(d) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F82 Words in s. 42(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 19(e) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F83 Words in s. 42(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 19(f)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F84 Words in s. 42(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 19(f)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

S.I. 1995/710 arts. 1(2) (in force 1.4.1995) for the year ending 31.12.1993 it is provided that s. 42 shall continue to have effect (temp.) for the purposes mentioned.

Marginal Citations

M3 1896 c. 25.

43 Annual return. U.K.

(1) Every registered society and branch shall once in every year, not later than [F85 31st July], send to the [F86 Authority] a return (in this Act called an “annual return”) relating to its affairs for the year of account preceding that in which the return is required to be sent.

(2) In the case of a branch, the annual return shall be sent to the [F86 Authority] through an officer appointed in that behalf by the society of which the branch forms part.

(3) Every annual return of a registered society or branch—

(a) shall be made up for the year of account to which the return relates; and

(b) shall contain the revenue account or accounts of the society or branch prepared in accordance with section 30(2) above in respect of the year of account to which the return relates and a balance sheet as at the end of that year; and

(c) shall not contain any accounts other than the revenue account or accounts for that year unless those other accounts have been examined by the auditors of the society or branch under section 38 above [F87 or been the subject of a report under section 39A(2)(a) above].

(4) Together with every annual return, a registered society or branch shall send

[F88 (a) where the year of account is one at the end of which there is in force in relation to the year a disapplication under section 32A(1) above, copies of the reports, if any, which the society or branch is required, because of the disapplication, to obtain under section 39A above; and

(b) where it is not,]

a copy of the report of the auditors on the accounts and balance sheet contained in the return.

(5) Every annual return sent to the [F86 Authority] by a registered society or branch to which section 41(1) above applies shall include a statement specifying either—

(a) in the case of a society or branch on which no exemption from the provisions of subsection (1) of section 41 above has been conferred, either under subsection (5) or subsection (6) of that section, the date of the last report under that section on the condition of the society or branch or the dates respectively of the last reports under that section on the assets and liabilities of the society or branch in respect of particular businesses conducted by it, and a place where a copy of that report or copies of those reports (as the case may be) may be inspected; or

(b) in the case of a society or branch on which a complete exemption from the provisions of section 41 above has been conferred under subsection (5) of that section, the reason for that exemption; or

(c) in the case of a society or branch on which a partial exemption from the provisions of section 41 above has been conferred under subsection (6) of that section, the reason for that partial exemption and the date of the last report, or the dates respectively of the last reports, under that section on the assets and liabilities of the society or branch in respect of any business or businesses conducted by it, and a place where a copy of that report or copies of those reports (as the case may be) may be inspected.

(6) Without prejudice to subsection (3) above, every annual or other return required for the purposes of this Act shall be made in such form and shall contain such particulars as the [F89 Authority may direct].

Textual Amendments

F85 Words in s. 43(1) substituted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738, arts. 1, 6

F86 Words in s. 43(1)(2)(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 20(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F87 S. 43(3)(c) words inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738, arts. 1, 11(9)

F88 S. 43(4)(a)(b) inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738, arts. 1, 11(10)

F89 Words in s. 43(6) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 20(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (with art. 7) (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

It is provided that s. 43 shall continue to have effect (temp.) for the purposes mentioned in S.I. 1995/710 arts. 1(2), 3 (in force 1.4.1995) for the year ending 31.12.1993

C29 S. 43(1) excluded by S.I. 1987/2132, reg. 11(7)

C30 Ss. 41(1),43(6) extended by S.I. 1987/2132, reg. 60(1)

44 Copies of annual return to be supplied on demand. U.K.

(1) On the application of a member or person interested in its funds a registered society or branch shall supply to him gratuitously either—

(a) a copy of the last annual return of the society or branch; or

(b) a balance sheet or other document duly audited containing the same particulars relating to the affairs of the society or branch as are contained in the annual return.

(2) Together with every copy of an annual return supplied in accordance with paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above and together with every balance sheet or other document supplied in accordance with paragraph (b) of that subsection, a registered society or branch shall provide a copy of the report of the auditors on the accounts and balance sheet contained in the return or on the balance sheet or document supplied, as the case may require.

[F90 (3) Where the last annual return of a registered society or branch relates to a year of account at the end of which there is in force in relation to the year a disapplication under section 32A(1) above, this section shall have effect with the following modifications—

(a) in subsection (1)(b), the words “duly audited” shall be omitted, and

(b) in subsection (2), for the words from “the report” to the end there shall be substituted “ any report which the society or branch is required, because of the disapplication, to obtain under section 39A(2)(a) above. ”]

Textual Amendments

F90 S. 44(3) inserted (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 11(11)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

45 Copies of balance sheet and valuation to be displayed. U.K.

Every registered society and branch shall keep always hung up in a conspicuous place at the registered office of the society or branch—

(a) a copy of the last annual balance sheet F91 . . .; and

(b) a copy of the last report under section 41 above on the condition of the society or branch or, where a report or reports are required under that section in respect of a particular business or particular businesses conducted by the society or branch, a copy of the last report under that section in respect of that business or in respect of each of those businesses, as the case may require.

Textual Amendments

F91 Words in s. 45(a) repealed (1.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/1738 arts. 1, 11(12)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 12 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 (1.1.1994) it is provided that ss. 29-45 shall cease to have effect in relation to registered friendly societies and registered branches of such societies.

Investment, funds and property U.K.

46 Investment of funds. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, the trustees of a registered society or branch may, with the consent of the committee or of a majority of the members present and entitled to vote in general meeting, invest the funds of the society or branch or any part thereof, to any amount in any of the following ways, that is to say,—

F92 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F92 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) in the purchase of land, or in the erection or alteration of offices or other buildings thereon; or

(d) upon any other security expressly directed by the rules of the society or branch, other than personal security, except as is in this Act authorised with respect to loans; or

(e) in any investment in which trustees are for the time being by law authorised to invest trust funds.

(2) The rules of a society with branches and of any branch thereof may provide for the investment of funds of the society or of that branch by the trustees of any branch, or by the trustees of the society, and the consent required for any such investment shall be the consent of the committee, or of such a majority of the members as is mentioned in subsection (1) above, of the society or branch by whom the funds are invested.

[F93 (2A) Subsections (2) to (12) of section 14 of the 1992 Act shall apply in respect of the powers of investment of the trustees of a registered friendly society as they apply to the powers of investment of an incorporated friendly society; and the consent required for any such investment as is available to the trustees of a registered friendly society by virtue of this subsection shall be the same as that required under subsection (1) above.]

F94 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F92 S. 46(1)(a)(b) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 15(1)(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 appendix.

F93 S. 46(2A) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 15(3) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6.

F94 S. 46(3) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33 S. 46: by S.I. 1987/2132, reg. 29 it is provided that s. 46 shall, as from the date on which a society as defined in reg. 2(1) of that instrument is authorised under reg. 5 or 6 of that instrument, have effect in relation to that society as though the words in s. 46(1) from “or any part thereof” to the end of that subsection were deleted

47 Power to set up funds for purchase of Government securities on behalf of members. U.K.

(1) A registered society or branch may in accordance with its rules set up and administer a fund for the purchase, on behalf of members contributing thereto, of Defence Bonds or National Savings Certificates or such other securities of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom as the [F95 Treasury]may prescribe.

(2) A registered society or branch may, in amending its rules for the purpose of this section, make provision for enabling persons to become members of the society for the purpose only of contributing to the said fund and without being entitled to any rights as members other than rights as contributors to the said fund.

[F96 (3) To facilitate the amendment for the purpose of this section of the rules of a registered society or branch existing on 25th April 1940, the Chief Registrar—

(a) may prescribe forms of rules which may be adopted for that purpose, and

(b) if requested to do so by the committee of any such society or branch existing at that date, may register a rule of that society or branch in such of the prescribed forms as may be indicated in the request;

and any rule so registered shall have effect as if it had been duly passed by the society or branch.]

[F96 (4) Anything which is required or authorised to be done by or to the Chief Registrar under this section may be done by or to such person as he may appoint for the purpose.]

Textual Amendments

F95 Words in s. 47(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 21(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F96 S. 47(3)(4) omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 21(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

48 Loans to assured members. U.K.

(1) A registered society and, subject to the rules of the society of which it is a branch, a registered branch may advance to a member of at least one full year’s standing any sum not exceeding one-half of the amount of an assurance on his life, on the written security of himself and two satisfactory sureties or, in Scotland, cautioners for repayment.

(2) The amount so advanced, with all interest thereon, may be deducted from the sum assured, without prejudice in the meantime to the operation of the security.

49 Loans out of separate loan fund. U.K.

A registered society may, out of any separate loan fund to be formed by contributions or deposits from its members, make loans to members on their personal security, with or without sureties or, in Scotland, cautioners, as may be provided by the rules, subject to the following restrictions, that is to say,—

(a) a loan shall not at any time be made out of money contributed for the other purposes of the society;

(b) a member shall not be capable of holding any interest in the loan fund exceeding [F97 £800];

(c) the society shall not make any loan to a member on personal security beyond the amount fixed by the rules, or make any loan which, together with any money owing by a member to the society, exceeds [F97 £200]; and

(d) the society shall not hold at any one time on deposit from its members any money beyond the amount fixed by the rules, and the amount so fixed shall not exceed two-thirds of the total sums owing to the society by the members who have borrowed from the loan fund.

Textual Amendments

F97 Figures in s. 49(b)(c) substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 16(a)(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

50 Loans of surplus funds to registered society or branch of different description. U.K.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section and of section 51 below, a registered society or branch (other than a benevolent society or branch thereof) may, if its rules so provide, make advances by way of loan to a registered society or registered branch of a society which is not of the same description and may take such part in the government and control of the society or branch to which any such advance is made or agreed to be made as may be provided by the rules of that society or branch.

(2) An advance shall not be made by a society or branch by virtue of this section unless the rule of its assets showed a surplus over the amount of its liabilities according to the last valuation under section 41 above or, in the case of a society or branch of which the assets and liabilities are not valued under that section, according to its last annual return under section 43 above; and—

(a) no advance shall be so made to an amount greater, with any amounts outstanding in respect of previous advances so made, than the amount for the time being unapplied of that surplus;

(b) for any purpose other than the purposes of paragraph (a) above, in determining the amount so unapplied there shall be deducted any amounts outstanding in respect of advances so made after the date to which the valuation or return relates.

[F98 (2A) Subsection (2) above does not apply to advances made by a registered friendly society or a branch of such a society.]

(3) An advance under this section may be interest free.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be taken to prejudice the power of a registered society or branch under section 52(2) below to contribute to the funds and take part in the management of another registered society or branch of the same description.

(5) For the purposes of this section a society or branch shall be deemed to be of the same description as another society or branch if, but only if, they are both registered by virtue of the same paragraph of section 7(1) above and, where each of them is a specially authorised society or branch, they are both established for the same purpose or purposes.

Textual Amendments

F98 S. 50(2A) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.17 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6.

51 Power of friendly society to invest in housing association. U.K.

(1) Without prejudice to section 46 above, if the rules of a registered friendly society or branch thereof expressly so direct, the trustees thereof may, with the consent of the committee or of a majority of the members present and entitled to vote in general meeting, invest the funds of the society or branch or any part thereof, in subscribing up to any amount permitted by this section for any of the share or loan capital of a housing association, other than shares or debentures not fully paid up at the time of issue.

(2) The power to make investments conferred by this section is subject to the same restrictions as are imposed by section 50(2) above on the power to make advances conferred by that section [F99 but those restrictions shall not apply to investments made by the trustees of a registered friendly society or of a branch of such a society];

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) of section 50 above any amounts for the time being invested by virtue of this section shall be taken into account in the same way as amounts outstanding in respect of advances made by virtue of that section, but so that, except in the case of investments made after the date to which the valuation or return relates, the amounts invested shall be taken to be amounts equal to the value of the investments according to the valuation or return referred to in the said subsection (2).

(4) For the purposes of this section, “housing association”[F100 has the same meaning as in the Housing Associations Act 1985 [F99 or Part II of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.]].

Textual Amendments

F99 Words in s. 51(2)(4) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 18(1)(a)(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6; S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F100 Words substituted by Housing (Consequential Provisions) Act 1985 (c. 71, SIF 61), s. 4, Sch. 2 para. 26

52 Charitable subscriptions and contributions to other registered societies. U.K.

(1) A registered society or branch may subscribe out of its funds to any hospital, infirmary, charitable or provident institution, any annual or other sum which may be necessary to secure to members of the society or branch and their families the benefits of the hospital, infirmary or other institution.

(2) In accordance with its rules, a registered society or branch may contribute to the funds and take part by delegates or otherwise in the government of any other registered society or registered branch of a society without becoming a branch under this Act of that other society or branch.

(3) A registered society or branch shall not withdraw from contributing to the funds of any medical society, that is to say, a society for the purpose of relief in sickness by providing medical attendance and medicine, except on three months’ notice to the society and on payment of all contributions accrued or accruing due to the date of expiry of the notice.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 S. 52 applied (E.W.S.)(16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 19(3), 302.

53 Holding of land. U.K.

[F101 (1) A registered society or branch may, if its rules so provide, acquire and hold land for the purpose of carrying on any of its activities in the names of its trustees and may dispose of, or otherwise deal with, any land so held; and—

(a) no person shall be bound to enquire as to the authority of the trustees to dispose of or deal with land;

(b) the receipt of the trustees shall be a discharge for all sums of money arising from, or in connection with, the disposal of or other dealing with land.]

(2) A branch of a registered society need not for the purposes of this section be separately registered.

F102 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F101 S. 53(1) substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.19 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F102 S. 53(3) omitted (1.2.1993) by virtue of Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 19(2) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3, and repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 appendix.

54 Vesting of property in trustees. U.K.

(1) Subject to section 55 below, all property belonging to a registered society, whether acquired before or after the society is registered, shall vest in the trustees for the time being of the society, for the use and benefit of the society and the members thereof and all persons claiming through the members according to the rules of the society.

(2) The property of a registered branch of a society shall vest wholly or partly in the trustees for the time being of that branch, or of any other branch of which that branch forms part (or, if the rules of the society so provide, in the trustees for the time being of the society), for the use and benefit either of the members of any such branch and persons claiming through those members or of the members of the society generally and persons claiming through them according to the rules of the society.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in subsections (1) and (2) above, the trustees of a registered society or branch shall not be liable to make good any deficiencies in the funds of the society or branch, but each trustee shall be liable only for sums of money actually received by him on account of the society or branch.

55 Power of the Public Trustee to hold securities of certain friendly societies and branches. E+W

(1) Notwithstanding anything in section 54 above any part of the funds of a friendly society [F103 which is registered by the Authority and the registered office of which is situated in England and Wales,] or of any branch of such a society, and any stocks, shares or securities held by or on behalf of such a society or branch, may be transferred to the Public Trustee if, and only if,—

(a) the Public Trustee agrees to the transfer, and

(b) rules of the society or branch are, or have been, made for the purpose.

(2) The Public Trustee shall invest, in accordance with the rules, any funds so transferred to him and shall pay the interest on any stocks, shares or securities acquired by or transferred to him in pursuance of this section to the trustees of the society or branch, and shall, if and when the trustees so require, transfer the capital of the stocks, shares or securities to them, or realise the same and transfer the proceeds to them.

(3) The Public Trustee shall be completely exonerated from any liability in relation to any stock, shares or securities held by him in pursuance of this section, and no action shall lie against the Public Trustee in respect of any such stock, shares or securities provided that he acts in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(4) This section does not extend to Scotland [F104 or Northern Ireland].

Textual Amendments

F103 Words in s. 55(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purpsoes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 22 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F104 Words in s. 55(4) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 20 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

56 Legal proceedings concerning property. U.K.

In all legal proceedings whatsoever concerning any property vested in the trustees of a registered society or branch, the property may be stated to be the property of the trustees in their own names as trustees for the society or branch without further description.

57 Discharge of certain mortgages. E+W

(1) Where, in the case of any mortgage or other assurance to a registered society or branch of any property, a receipt in full for all money secured thereby on that property is endorsed on or annexed to the mortgage or other assurance, being a receipt—

(a) signed by the trustees of the society or branch and countersigned by the secretary thereof; and

(b) in the form set out in Schedule 4 to this Act or in any other form specified in the rules of the society or branch or any schedule thereto,

then, for the purposes of the provisions of section 115 of the M4 Law of Property Act 1925 (reconveyance of mortgage by endorsed receipt) which are specified in subsection (2) below, that receipt shall be deemed to be a receipt which fulfils the requirements of subsection (1) of that section.

(2) The provisions of section 115 of the M5 Law of Property Act 1925 which are referred to in subsection (1) above are—

(a) subsection (1), so far as it relates to the operation of such a receipt as is mentioned in that subsection;

(b) if, but only if, the receipt under this section states the name of the person who pays the money, subsection (2);

(c) subsections (3), (6), (8), (10) and (11); and

(d) where consistent with the terms of the form authorised by subsection (1)(b) above which is used for the receipt, subsection (7).

(3) This section extends to England and Wales only.

Marginal Citations

M4 1925 c. 20.

M5 1925 c. 20.

[F105 57A Discharge of certain mortgages in Northern Ireland. N.I.

(1) Where, in the case of any mortgage to a registered society or branch of any property, a receipt in full for any moneys secured thereby on that property is endorsed on or annexed to the mortgage, being a receipt—

(a) signed by the trustees of the society or branch and counter-signed by the secretary thereof; and

(b) in the form set out in Schedule 4 to this Act or in any other form specified in the rules of the society or branch or any schedule thereto,

that receipt shall be fully effective to vacate the mortgage and vest in the mortgagor the estate of and in the property comprised in the mortgage.

(2) If the mortgage is registered in accordance with the Registration of Deeds Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 the registrar under that Act shall—

(a) on production of the receipt mentioned in subsection (1) above make a note in the Abstract Book against the entry relating to the mortgage that the mortgage is satisfied; and

(b) grant a certificate, either on the mortgage or separately, that the mortgage is satisfied.

(3) The certificate granted under subsection (2)(b) above shall—

(a) be received in all courts and proceedings without further proof; and

(b) have the effect of clearing the register of the mortgage.

(4) In this section “mortgage” includes a further charge and “mortgagor”, in relation to a mortgage, means the person for the time being entitled to the equity of redemption.

(5) This section extends to Northern Ireland only.]

Textual Amendments

F105 S. 57A inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.21 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

58 Devolution of property on death, resignation or removal of trustee. U.K.

On the death, resignation or removal of a trustee of a registered society or branch, all property vested in him as such a trustee shall, without conveyance, assignment or assignation, vest subject to the same trusts in the succeeding trustees of that society or branch, either solely or together with any surviving or continuing trustees; and until the appointment of succeeding trustees that property shall so vest in the surviving or continuing trustees only or in the executors or administrators of the last surviving or continuing trustee.

59 Priority on death, bankruptcy, etc., of officer. U.K.

(1) The provisions of this section apply in the following cases, that is to say,—

(a) on the death [F106 or bankruptcy] of any officer of a registered society or branch who has in his possession, by virtue of his office, any money or property belonging to the society or branch; and

(b) if any execution, attachment, or other process is issued, or action or diligence raised against any such officer or against his property.

(2) Where this section applies, then, upon demand in writing of the trustees of the society or branch, or of any two of them, or of any person authorised by the society or branch or by the committee thereof to make the demand, the executors or administrators [F106 or trustee in bankruptcy]or the sheriff or other person executing the process shall pay the money and deliver over the property to the trustees of the society or branch in preference to any other debt or claim against the estate of the officer.

[F107 (3) In subsection (1) above “bankruptcy” includes liquidation of a debtor’s affairs by arrangement.]

[F107 (4) In the application of this section to Scotland, for the reference in subsection (1) above to the bankruptcy of any officer there shall be substituted a reference to an award of sequestration being made on any officer’s estate or his executing a trust deed for his creditors or his entering into a composition contract, and in subsection (2) above the expression “trustee in bankruptcy” includes a judicial factor.]

Textual Amendments

F106 Words repealed (S.) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66, SIF 66), s. 75(2), Sch. 8

F107 S. 59(3)(4) repealed (S.) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66, SIF 66), s. 75(2), Sch. 8

Membership and rights of members U.K.

60 Membership of minors. U.K.

(1) The rules of a registered society or branch may provide for the admission of minors as members.

(2) A member who is a minor may, if he is over sixteen by himself, and if he is under sixteen by his parent or guardian, execute all instruments and give all receipts necessary to be executed or given under the rules.

61 Members’ subscriptions not generally recoverable at law. U.K.

Except as provided by section 22 above, the subscription of a person who is or has been a member of a registered society or branch shall not be recoverable at law.

62 Inspection of books by members. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, a member or person having an interest in the funds of a registered society or branch may inspect the books at all reasonable hours at the registered office of the society or branch or at any place where the books are kept.

(2) Unless he is an officer of the society or branch or is specially authorised by resolution of the society or branch to do so, a member or person having an interest in the funds of a registered society or branch shall not have the right to inspect the loan account of any other member without the written consent of that member.

63 Accumulation of member’s surplus contributions. U.K.

The rules of a registered society or branch may provide for accumulating at interest, for the use of any member, any surplus of his contributions to the funds of the society or branch which may remain after providing for any assurance in respect of which they are paid and for the withdrawal of the accumulations.

[F108 63A Register of members of registered friendly societies. U.K.

(1) Every registered friendly society shall maintain a register of the names and addresses of the members of the society.

(2) The register shall be kept at the registered office of the society or at such other place or places as the committee of management thinks fit.

(3) A society need not enter in the register the address of a member who became a member before the commencement of this section while it has no address for him and his whereabouts are unknown.

(4) Where it appears to a society that the address shown in the register for a member is no longer current, the society—

(a) may remove that address from the register; and

(b) need not enter in the register an address for that member while it has no address for him and his whereabouts are unknown.

(5) If a society contravenes subsection (1) above, it shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.]

Textual Amendments

F108 S. 63A inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.22 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6.

Benefits: limitations and payment U.K.

64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F109 U.K.

Textual Amendments

F109 S. 64 repealed by Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c. 1, SIF 63:1), s. 844(4), Sch. 31

[F110 65 Modification of s. 64 in relation to group insurance business. U.K.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F111

(2) For the purposes of this section “group insurance business” means the business of providing, in accordance with the rules of a registered society, benefits for or in respect of such employees of a particular employer or such other group of persons for the time being approved for the purposes of this section by the registrar as are members of the society; and such business is approved group insurance business if—

(a) the policy of insurance or other contract under which the benefits are provided for or in respect of each of the employees or other persons concerned is in a form approved by the registrar, and

(b) such other requirements as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Chief Registrar are fulfilled.]

Textual Amendments

F110 S. 65 ceased to have effect (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 23 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F111 S. 65(1) repealed by Friendly Societies Act 1984 (c. 62, SIF 55), s. 2(5)(c)

[F112 65A Group insurance business. U.K.

(1) If the rules of a registered friendly society expressly so direct, the society may carry on any group insurance business.

(2) In this Act “group insurance business” means business (carried on in accordance with the society’s rules and subject to any regulations under section 11 of the 1992 Act) which—

(a) is of a description falling within Head A, or class 2 of Head B, of Schedule 2 to the 1992 Act; and

(b) is carried on as the business of providing benefits, in pursuance of a contract with a qualifying person, for or in respect of the members of a group scheme.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

• “group scheme” means a scheme or other arrangement under which benefits are to be provided for or in respect of persons who are members of the scheme and who qualify for membership by virtue of—

  (a)

  being employees of a particular employer; or

  (b)

  being members of some other group of persons of a description specified in regulations under section 11 of the 1992 Act;

• “qualifying person” means a person who has established or is otherwise responsible for the operation of a group scheme or a trustee of such a scheme;

and “member”, in relation to a group scheme, includes any person for or in respect of whom benefits are to be provided under the scheme, whatever the terms in which such persons are described in the scheme.

(4) Group insurance business may be carried on by a registered friendly society whether or not members of the group scheme are, or are required by the society to be, members of the society.

(5) Where a registered friendly society carries on any group insurance business and the rules of the society so provide, any qualifying person with whom the society contracts (or his nominee) may be accorded the rights of a member of the society (including any right to vote) for the purpose of participating in the affairs of the society in the interests of the members of the group scheme with which he is concerned.

(6) The rules of an incorporated friendly society may not prevent a person from being a member of the society in his private capacity by reason only of the fact that he has been accorded the rights of a member by virtue of subsection (5) above.

(7) A person who is accorded the rights of a member of a society by virtue of subsection (5) above shall, for the purposes of any power which is conferred on the [F113 Authority] by this Act or the 1992 Act and is exercisable in the interests of members of the society, be treated as if he were a member of the society.

(8) The [F114 Treasury] may make regulations under section 11(7) of the 1992 Act which apply to group insurance business carried on by registered friendly societies.]

Textual Amendments

F112 Ss. 65A, 65B inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 23 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art 2, Sch. 6.

F113 Word in s. 65A(7) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 24(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F114 Word in s. 65A(8) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 24(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C35 S. 65A applied (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 48 s. 162(4)(c)(i) (with s. 6(8)); S.I. 1994/86 art. 2

S. 65A(2) applied (N.I.) (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 49 s. 158(4)(c); S.R. 1994/17 art. 2

C36 S. 65A(8): functions transferred to the Treasury (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2(b), 4(1), Sch. 1 Pt. II (with art. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

65B F115 Terms on which benefits are provided by friendly societies. U.K.

(1) The terms on which a registered friendly society provides any benefit shall be—

(a) specified in its rules; or

(b) determined in a manner specified in its rules.

(2) If they are not specified in the society’s rules, the society—

(a) shall make copies of them available free of charge to members of the society at every office of the society; and

(b) shall send, free of charge, copies of them to any member of the society who demands them.

(3) If, on demand made of it under subsection (2) above, a society fails, in accordance with that subsection, to make available or, as the case may be within 7 days of the demand, to send to a person a copy of the terms on which a benefit is to be provided, the society shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Textual Amendments

F115 Ss. 65A, 65B inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.23 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6.

66 Power of member to nominate person to receive sums payable on his death. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, a member of a registered society or of a branch thereof who is not under the age of sixteen years may, by writing under his hand delivered at or sent to the registered office of the society or branch, or made in a book kept at that office, nominate a person or persons to whom any sum of money payable by the society or branch on the death of that member or any specified amount of money so payable shall be paid at his decease.

(2) The total amount which may be nominated under this section shall not exceed [F116 £5,000]but where a nomination under this section does not specify the maximum sum of money which is to be payable by virtue of the nomination, and the sum to which the nomination relates exceeds [F116 £5,000]but would not exceed that amount if any such increase as is mentioned in section 64(2)(c) above were disregarded, the nomination shall not be invalidated by reason only of the excess.

(3) The sum payable on the death of a member by a registered society or branch shall include sums of money contributed to or deposited in the separate loan fund and any sum of money accumulated for the use of the member under the provisions of this Act, together with interest thereon.

(4) Any reference in subsections (1) to (3) above to a registered society does not include a benevolent society, a working men’s club or an old people’s home society.

(5) a person nominated under this section must not at the date of the nomination be an officer or servant of the society or branch, unless that officer or servant is the husband, wife, father, mother, child, brother, sister, nephew or niece of the nominator.

(6) A nomination so made may be revoked or varied by any similar document under the hand of the nominator delivered, sent or made as mentioned in subsection (1) above.

(7) The marriage of a member of the society or branch shall operate as a revocation of any nomination previously made by that member under this section.

(8) A nomination, or a variation or revocation of a nomination, by writing under the hand of a member of a registered branch and delivered at or sent to the registered office of that branch, or made in a book kept at that office, shall be effectual notwithstanding that the money to which the nomination relates, or some part thereof, is not payable by that branch but is payable by the society or some other branch.

Textual Amendments

F116 “£5,000” substituted by virtue of Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965 (c. 32, SIF 116:1), ss. 1(1), 6, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 and S.I. 1984/539, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 Power to amend s. 66(1)(2) conferred by Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965 (c. 32), ss. 5(1), 6(1)

67 Payment on death of a nominator. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, on receiving satisfactory proof of the death of a nominator, the society or branch shall pay to his nominee or nominees the amount due to the deceased or, as the case may be, the amount specified in the nomination.

(2) Subject to paragraph 12 of Schedule 10 to this Act, the total amount paid by a registered society or branch by virtue of a nomination (whether in favour of one nominee or more) shall not exceed [F117 £5,000]except that, in the circumstances referred to in subsection (2) of section 66 above, the amount payable shall include the excess referred to in that subsection.

(3) The receipt of a nominee over sixteen years of age for any amount paid in accordance with this section shall be valid.

Textual Amendments

F117 “£5,000” substituted by virtue of Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965 (c. 32, SIF 116:1), ss. 1(1), 6, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 and S.I. 1984/539, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 Power to amend s. 67 conferred by Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965 (c. 32), ss. 5(1), 6(1)

68 Devolution of sums due where no nomination. U.K.

(1) If any member of a registered society or branch entitled from the funds thereof to a sum not exceeding [F118 £5,000]dies without having made any nomination thereof then subsisting, the society or branch may, without letters of administration or probate of any will or, in Scotland, without any grant of confirmation, distribute the sum among such persons as appear to the committee, upon such evidence as they may deem satisfactory, to be entitled by law to receive that sum.

(2) If any such member is illegitimate, the society or branch may pay the sum of money which that member might have nominated to or among the persons who, in the opinion of the committee, would have been entitled thereto if that member had been legitimate, or if there are no such persons, the society or branch shall deal with the money as the Treasury may direct.

(3) Where at the time of his death a member of a registered friendly society or branch is entitled from the funds thereof to a sum which exceeds [F118 £5,000]but would not exceed that amount if any such increase as is mentioned in section 64(2)(c) above were disregarded, subsection (1) above shall apply to the whole of that sum, notwithstanding that it exceeds [F118 £5,000], and for the purposes of subsection (2) above the whole of that sum shall be taken to be the sum which he might have nominated.

Textual Amendments

F118 “£5,000” substituted by virtue of Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965 (c. 32, SIF 116:1), ss. 1(1), 6, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 and S.I. 1984/539, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Power to amend s. 68 conferred by Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965 (c. 32), ss. 5(1), 6(1)

69 Validity of payments. U.K.

(1) A payment made by a registered society or branch under section 68 above shall be valid and effectual against any demand made upon the trustees or the society or branch by any other person, but the next of kin or personal representatives of the deceased member shall have a remedy for recovery of the money paid under that section against the person who has received that money.

(2) Where a society or branch has paid money to a nominee in ignorance of a marriage subsequent to the nomination, the receipt of the nominee shall be a valid discharge to the society or branch.

F119 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F119 S. 70 repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 24, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix.

F120 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F120 S. 71 repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 24, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix.

F121 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F121 S. 72 repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 24, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix.

F122 73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F122 S. 73 repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 24, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix.

74 Provisions with respect to certain insurances where person assured is resident outside United Kingdom and Isle of Man. U.K.

The provisions of Schedule 6 to this Act shall have effect in relation to the insuring by registered friendly societies of money for funeral expenses, or of money to be paid on the duration of a life for a specified period, where the funeral expenses are those, or the life in question is that, of a person who at the time of the proposal is ordinarily resident outside the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.

F123 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F123 S. 75 repealed (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 24, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix (with art. 10).

Disputes U.K.

76 Decision of disputes generally. U.K.

(1) Subject to [F124 [F125 subsections (3A) to (3C)] below] every dispute between—

(a) a member or person claiming through a member or under the rules of a registered society or branch, and the society or branch or an officer thereof, or

(b) any person aggrieved who has ceased to be a member of a registered society or branch, or any person claiming through such an aggrieved person, and the society or branch or an officer thereof, or

(c) any registered branch of a society F126 . . . and the society F126 . . . of which it is a registered branch, or

(d) an officer of any such registered branch and the society F126 . . . of which it is a registered branch, or

(e) any two or more registered branches of any society F126 . . ., or any officers thereof,

shall be decided in the manner directed by the rules of the society or branch, and the decision so given shall be binding and conclusive on all parties without appeal and may not be removed into any court of law or restrained by injunction.

For the purposes of [F127 section 12 of the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992] (supervisory powers of superior courts) this subsection shall be deemed to have been contained in an Act passed before 1st August 1958.

(2) An application for the enforcement of such a decision as is referred to in subsection (1) above may be made to the county court.

[F128 (3A) This section does not apply to a dispute if—

(a) the registered society concerned is a registered friendly society; or

(b) the registered branch concerned is a branch of a registered friendly society.

F128 (3B) The county court or, in Scotland, the sheriff may hear and determine a dispute falling within subsection (1) above if the parties agree that it shall be so determined instead of being determined under the rules.]

[F129 (3C) If the rules contain directions by virtue of which a dispute would fall to be determined by the Authority, the dispute shall instead be referred to the county court or, in Scotland, to the sheriff for determination.]

(4) In this section, the expression “dispute”—

(a) includes any dispute arising on the question whether a member or person aggrieved is entitled to be, or to continue to be, a member or to be reinstated as a member, but

(b) in the case of a person who has ceased to be a member does not (except as provided in paragraph (a) above) include any dispute other than one on a question between him and the society or branch, or an officer thereof, which arose whilst he was a member, or arises out of his previous relation as a member to that society or branch [F130 ; and

(c) does not include a dispute between the parties mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) above which has arisen as a result of and incidentally to a dispute between a member, or a person aggrieved who has ceased to be a member, of a registered society or branch and a person claiming through him or under the rules of the registered society or branch.]

(5) In the application of this section to Scotland, in subsection (1) the words “and may not” to the end of the subsection shall be omitted, in subsection (2) for the words “county court” there shall be substituted the word “ sheriff ”F131 . . ..

Textual Amendments

F124 Words in s. 76(1) substituted (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 25(2)(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2 (with arts. 3-5).

F125 Words in s. 76(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 25(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F126 Words in s. 76(1)(c)(d)(e) repealed (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 25(2)(b), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2 appendix (with arts. 3-5).

F127 Words in s. 76(1) substituted (1.10.1992) by Tribunals and Enquiries Act 1992 (c. 53), ss. 18(1), 19(2), Sch. 3 para. 10.

F128 S. 76(3A)(3B) substituted (13.1.1993) for s. 76(3) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 25(3) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2 (with arts. 3, 4).

F129 S. 76(3C) inserted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 25(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F130 S. 76(4)(c) and preceding word added (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 25(4) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2 (with arts. 3, 4).

F131 Words in s. 76(5) repealed (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2 appendix (with arts. 3, 4).

F132 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F132 S. 77 repealed (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 26, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2 appendix (with art. 5).

78 Statement of case and discovery, etc., of documents. U.K.

[F133 (1) Any arbitrator, arbiter or umpire to whom a dispute falling within section 76 above is referred under the rules of a registered society or branch may at the request of either party state a case on any question of law arising in the dispute for the opinion of the High Court or, as the case may be, the Court of Session.]

F134 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F134 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F133 S. 78(1) substituted (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23 s. 107(1) Sch. 3 para. 29(2): S.I. 1996/3146 art. 3

F134 S. 78(2)(3) repealed (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2 appendix.

79 Reference of disputes to court otherwise than under rules. U.K.

(1) Where no decision is made on a dispute within forty days after application to the registered society or branch in question for a reference under its rules then, subject to subsection (2) below, any person, society or branch such as is mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) of section 76(1) above who is a party to the dispute may apply to the county court F135 . . . or, in Scotland, to the sheriff, and the court to which application is so made may hear and determine the matter in dispute.

(2) In the case of a society with branches, the period of forty days referred to in subsection (1) above shall not begin to run until application has been made in succession to all the bodies entitled to determine the dispute under the rules of the society or branch, but the rules of the society or branch shall not require a greater delay than three months between each successive determination of a dispute by the bodies entitled under the rules to determine the dispute.

(3) The provisions of this section also apply where the rules of a registered society, or the rules of a registered branch, contain no direction as to disputes.

(4) In this section “dispute” means a dispute falling within section 76 above.

Textual Amendments

F135 Words in s. 79(1) repealed (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2appendix.

F136 80 Disputes arising out of loans of surplus funds to societies of different description. U.K.

(1) [F137 Subject to subsection (1A) below,]where a registered society or branch (in this section referred to as “the lender”) has made or agreed to make advances under section 50 above to another society or branch (in this section referred to as “the borrower”) and the lender is by reason thereof empowered by the rules of the borrower to take part in the government or control of the borrower, then, subject to subsection (2) below, sections 76 to 79 above shall apply in relation to the determination of any dispute between the lender and the borrower, being a dispute relating to any such advance or agreement or to the rights of the lender or an officer thereof under the rules of the borrower, as if the borrower were a branch of the lender.

[F138 (1A) Subsection (1) above does not apply in any case where the lender is a registered friendly society or a branch of such a society.]

(2) Where sections 76 to 79 above apply by virtue of subsection (1) above,—

(a) references in those sections to the rules of the society or branch are references to the rules of the borrower; and

(b) section 76(1) above shall not prevent the bringing of legal proceedings for the determination of any such dispute as is referred to in subsection (1) above unless, before the commencement of the proceedings, application has been made for a reference under the rules of the borrower, and any such proceedings may be brought in a county court or, in Scotland, before the sheriff, whether or not the court would apart from this provision have jurisdiction to entertain them; and

(c) any application under section 79(1) above (other than an application made in Scotland) must be made to the county court and not to a magistrates’ court.

Textual Amendments

F136 S. 80: by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 126(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)) it is provided that in s. 80(1) paragraph (c) and the word "and" immediately preceding it are repealed (13.1.1993); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2, appendix.

F137 Words in s. 80(1) inserted (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 28(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F138 S. 80(1A) inserted (13.1.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 28(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 2.

Change of name, amalgamation and transfer of engagements and conversion of societies U.K.

81 Power to change name. U.K.

(1) A registered society may change its name by an amendment of its rules and in no other manner, but no amendment of the rules of a registered society which purports to change the name of the society shall be registered under section 18 of this Act unless that change has the approval in writing of the [F139 Authority].

(2) No such change of name shall affect any right or obligation of the society or of any member thereof, and any pending legal proceedings may be continued by or against the trustees of the society, or any other officer who may sue or be sued on behalf of the society, notwithstanding its new name.

Textual Amendments

F139 Word in s. 81(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 26 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

82 Amalgamation and transfer of engagements. U.K.

(1) Any two or more registered societies may, by special resolution of each of them, become amalgamated together as one society with or without any dissolution or division of the funds of those societies or any of them.

(2) A registered society may, by special resolution, transfer [F140 to any extent] its engagements to any other registered society which, by special resolution or in such other manner as may be authorised by its rules, undertakes to fulfil those engagements.

(3) A registered society may by special resolution determine to transfer [F140 to any extent] its engagements to a company under the Companies Acts [F140 or to an industrial and provident society].

[F141 (3A) A registered society, in order to transfer some but not all of its engagements, must in addition to passing the special resolution required by subsection (2) or (3) above resolve to do so by an affected members’ resolution, that is, a resolution passed by the appropriate majority of the members whose engagements with the society are included in the transfer and who, under the rules of the society, would be entitled to vote on a special resolution.

(3B) In subsection (3A) above, “appropriate majority” means a majority consisting of not less than three quarters of those members who vote.]

[F142 (4) Before a registered friendly society becomes amalgamated with, or transfers its engagements to, another friendly society in pursuance of subsection (1) or subsection (2) above, or transfers its engagements to a company in accordance with subsection (3) above, information relating to the terms of the proposed amalgamation or transfer shall be given to the members of the society—

(a) by sending to each member of the society, not less than fourteen days before the date of the general meeting at which the resolution for the amalgamation or transfer is to be proposed, a notice in terms approved for the purpose by the Chief Registrar; or

(b) if the Chief Registrar so allows in the case of all or any of the members of the society, by placing an advertisement, in terms approved for the purpose by him, in such newspaper or newspapers, and at such time or times, as he may specify.]

(5) If a registered society transfers all its engagements [F143 to a company under the Companies Acts], the registration of that society under this Act shall thereupon become void and shall be cancelled by the [F144 Authority].

(6) A registered society consisting wholly of members under twenty one and a registered society or branch or branches of a society having members above twenty-one may, by resolutions registered in the manner required for the registration of an amendment of rules, become amalgamated together as one society or branch, or provide for distributing among several branches the members of a society consisting wholly of members under twenty-one; and the preceding provisions of this section shall not apply to such an amalgamation.

(7) An amalgamation or transfer of engagements in pursuance of any of the provisions of this section shall not prejudice any rights of a creditor of any registered society which is a party thereto.

[F145 (8) This section does not apply to an amalgamation of or transfer of engagements by a registered friendly society.

(9) In this section “industrial and provident society” means a society registered or deemed to be registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 or the Industrial and Provident Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 1969.]

Textual Amendments

F140 Words in s. 82(2)(3) inserted and added (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 29(2)(3)(a)(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 3 (with arts. 5, 6).

F141 S. 82(3A)(3B) inserted (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 29(4) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 3 (with arts. 5, 6).

F142 S. 82(4) repealed (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix (with arts. 5, 6).

F143 Words in s. 82(5) repealed (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 3 appendix. (with arts. 5, 6)

F144 Word in s. 82(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes only) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), 8, Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 27 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1) (which S.I. 2001/2617, Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 27 was revoked (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, art. 187(2)), and by the said S.I. 2001/3649, art. 187(1) the same word was substituted (1.12.2001)

F145 S. 82(8)(9) added (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 29(5) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 3 (with arts. 5, 6).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C40 S. 82 extended by S.I. 1987/2132, reg. 28(7)

[F146 83 Objections to amalgamations and transfers of engagements of friendly societies. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, where a special resolution has been passed for the amalgamation, or transfer of the engagements, of a registered friendly society—

(a) any member of the society may by notice in writing complain to the Chief Registrar on the ground that the provisions of section 82 above or section 86 below or of any other provision of this Act or of any rules of the society relating to the procedure for deciding on the resolution have not been complied with; and

(b) any person (whether a member of the society or not) who claims that he is one of a class of persons who to a substantial extent would be adversely affected by the amalgamation or transfer may by notice in writing complain to the Chief Registrar on that ground.

(2) A complaint under this section may not be made after the expiry of the period of six weeks beginning with the date on which the special resolution concerned is received at the central office (being the period referred to in section 86(4) below), but where such a complaint is made the special resolution shall not be registered until the complaint is finally determined or is withdrawn.

(3) Subsections (2) and (3) of section 77 above shall apply in relation to a complaint made to the Chief Registrar under this section as they apply in relation to a dispute referred to him under subsection (1) of that section; and it is hereby declared that [F147 Part I of the Arbitration Act 1996]does not apply to proceedings on a complaint under this section.

(4) Where a complaint is made under this section the Chief Registrar may either dismiss it or if, after giving the complainant and the registered society concerned an opportunity of being heard, he finds the complaint to be justified, may either—

(a) so declare, but make no other declaration or order under this subsection on the complaint; or

(b) declare the special resolution to be invalid; or

(c) make such order as he thinks fit modifying the terms of the amalgamation or transfer and, where appropriate, specifying the steps which must be taken before the special resolution may be registered at the central office;

and it shall be the duty of the Chief Registrar to furnish a statement, either written or oral, of the reasons for any decision which he gives on a complaint under this section.

(5) Where an order has been made under subsection (4)(c) above in relation to a proposed amalgamation or transfer of engagements, the central office shall not register a special resolution for giving effect to that amalgamation or transfer unless satisfied that any steps specified in the order have been taken.

(6) Subject to subsections (1) and (8) below, the validity of a special resolution passed for either of the purposes referred to in subsection (1) above shall not be questioned in any legal proceedings whatsoever (except proceedings before the Chief Registrar under this section or arising out of any such proceedings) on any ground on which a complaint could be, or could have been, made to the Chief Registrar under this section.

(7) In the course of proceedings on a complain under this section the Chief Registrar may, if he thinks fit, at the request of the complainant or of the registered society concerned, state a case for the opinion of the High Court, or if the society concerned is registered in Scotland the Court of Session, on any question of law arising in the proceedings; and the decision of the High Court or, as the case may be, the Court of Session on a case stated under this subsection shall be final.

(8) Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, where a special resolution has been passed for the amalgamation of a registered friendly society (whether or not the resolution has taken effect) any person, whether a member of the society or not, who—

(a) claims to be entitled to receive any form of benefit from the society, and

(b) is dissatisfied with the provision made for satisfying his claim,

may within the period of three months beginning with the day on which the special resolution is passed make an application to the county court for the district [F148 or division], or in Scotland to the sheriff of the sheriffdom, within which the chief or any other place of business of the society, or (if the amalgamation has taken effect) the amalgamated society, is situated, and on any such application the county court of sheriff shall have the same powers in the matter as in regard to the settlement of disputes under this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F146 S. 83 ceased to have effect (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by virtue of S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 28 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5)

F147 Words in s. 83(3) substituted (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23 s. 107(1) Sch. 3 para. 29(3); S.I. 1996/3146 art. 3

F148 Words in s. 83(8) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 30(1)(2) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2

84 Conversion of registered societies into companies. U.K.

(1) A registered society may by special resolution determine to convert itself into a company under the Companies Acts.

(2) If a special resolution for converting a registered society into a company contains the particulars required by the Companies Acts to be contained in the memorandum of association of a company and a copy thereof has been registered [F149 by the Authority], a copy of that resolution under the seal and stamp of the [F149 Authority] shall have the same effect as a memorandum of association duly signed and attested under the Companies Acts.

(3) Subject to subsection (4) below, if a registered society is registered as a company under the Companies Acts, the registration of that society under this Act shall thereupon become void and shall be cancelled by the [F150 Authority].

(4) Registration of a registered society as a company shall not affect any right or claim subsisting against the society or any penalty incurred by the society; and—

(a) for the purpose of enforcing any such right, claim or penalty, the society may be sued and proceeded against in the same manner as if it had not become registered as a company; and

(b) every such right or claim, or the liability to any such penalty, shall have priority as against the property of the company over all other rights or claims against or liabilities of the company.

Textual Amendments

F149 Words in s. 84(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 29(a)(i)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F150 Word in s. 84(3) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes only) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 29(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5) (which S.I. 2001/2617, Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 29(b) was revoked (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, art. 187(2)), and by the said S.I. 2001/3649, art. 187(1) the same word was substituted (1.12.2001)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 31 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 2, it is provided that s. 84 shall cease to apply (13.9.1993) to registered friendly societies.

[F151 84A Conversion of registered societies into industrial and provident societies. U.K.

(1) A registered society other than a registered friendly society may apply for registration under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 if the proposal to apply for registration has been submitted to the members of the society for their consent by the procedure required for a proposal to amend the rules of the society and consent has been obtained in accordance with that procedure.

(2) On the registration under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 of a registered society all property held immediately before that registration by any person in trust for the society or any branch of the society (whether or not a registered branch) shall become by virtue of this subsection property of the industrial and provident society.

(3) After its registration under that Act, the society shall continue to be entitled to all rights and subject to all liabilities to which it was entitled or subject immediately before registration.

(4) It is hereby declared for the avoidance of doubt that—

(a) the reference in subsection (2)(a) above to property includes a reference to property situated outside the United Kingdom; and

(b) the reference to rights and liabilities of such a society or branch includes a reference and liabilities under the law of any country or territory outside the United Kingdom.

(5) Not later than the end of the period of 90 days beginning with the day on which a registered society is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965—

(a) the trustees of the society shall deliver to the registered office of the industrial and provident society any property of the registered society or any branch of the registered society held by them and any documents relating to the property, rights and liabilities of the registered society or to its financial affairs;

(b) the trustees of any branch of the registered society shall deliver to that office any property of the branch or any other branch of the society held by them and any documents relating to the property, rights and liabilities of the branch or to its financial affairs; and

(c) if he holds property on trust for the society or any branch of the society, the Public Trustee shall deliver to that office the property so held by him and any documents relating to it;

but nothing in this Act shall have effect to relieve the trustees of a registered society or branch or the Public Trustee from any liability arising from acts or omissions before that registration.

(6) If a registered society is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965, the registration of that society under this Act shall thereupon become void and shall be cancelled by the [F152 Authority].

(7) Schedule 6A to this Act shall have effect to supplement this section.

(8) In the application of this section to Northern Ireland, references in this section and Schedule 6A to the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 shall be construed as references to the Industrial and Provident Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 1969.]

Textual Amendments

F151 S. 84A inserted ((1.2.1993) except paragraph (8), (1.1.1994) to the extent that it inserts section 84A(8)) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 32 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3; S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F152 Words in s. 84A(6) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 30 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5) (which S.I. 2001/2617, Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 30 was revoked (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, art. 187(2)), and by the said S.I. 2001/3649, art. 187(1) the same word was substituted (1.12.2001)

85 Conversion of society into branch. U.K.

(1) By a resolution passed by a majority of the members or delegates present and entitled to vote at any general meeting, of which notice specifying the intention to propose any such resolution has been duly given according to the rules, a registered society may determine to become a branch of any other registered society and also, if thought fit, of any registered branch thereof.

(2) If the rules of the society do not comply with all the provisions of this Act and of the Treasury regulations in respect of the registration of branches, the meeting at which any such resolution is passed as is referred to in subsection (1) above may amend the rules so as to bring the rules into compliance with this Act and with the Treasury regulations.

(3) Where such a resolution as is referred to in subsection (1) above has been passed at a general meeting of a registered society, there shall be sent to the [F153 Authority]—

(a) a copy of the rules of the society marked to show the amendments, if any, made at the meeting, and

(b) two copies of the resolution and of any such amendment of rules, each signed by the chairman of the meeting and by the secretary of the society and countersigned by the secretary of the society of which it is to become a branch.

(4) If the [F153 Authority] finds that the rules of a society, with or without any such amendment as is referred to in subsections (2) and (3) above, comply with the provisions of this Act and of the Treasury regulations, [F154 it] shall—

(a) without further request or notice, cancel the registration of the society and register it as a branch of the other society referred to in the resolution in question and also, if it is so specified in that resolution, of any branch of that other society; and

(b) without further application or evidence, register any such amendment of rules;

and until such registration the resolution shall not take effect.

(5) Notwithstanding anything in section 91(6) below, publication of a notice of any cancellation of registration under this section shall not be required.

(6) The rules of a society which becomes a branch under this section shall, so far as they are not contrary to any express provision of this Act or of the Treasury regulations, and subject to any such amendment thereof as is referred to in the preceding provisions of this section, continue in force as the rules of the branch until amended.

Textual Amendments

F153 Words in s. 85(3)(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 31(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F154 Word in s. 85(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes and otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 31(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

86 Meaning and registration of special resolutions. U.K.

(1) [F155 Subject to subsection (2A) below] For the purposes of this Act a special resolution, in relation to a registered society [F155 or branch], is a resolution passed—

(a) at a general meeting of which notice, specifying the intention to propose that resolution, has been duly given in accordance with the society’s rules, and

(b) by not less than three-quarters of those members of the society for the time being entitled under the society’s rules to vote who vote either in person or by proxy at the meeting or, in the case of a meeting of delegates appointed by members, by not less than three-quarters of the delegates who vote at the meeting.

(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the rules of a registered society, at any such general meeting as is referred to in subsection (1)(a) above, other than a meeting of delegates, proxy voting shall be permitted on any resolution which, if passed as mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above, would be a special resolution, and the procedure adopted by a registered society for proxy voting on any such resolution shall comply with any requirements imposed by the [F156 Treasury] by regulations made under this section.

[F157 (2A) For the purposes of this Act “special resolution”, in relation to a registered friendly society, shall be construed in accordance with paragraph 7 of Schedule 12 to the 1992 Act.]

(3) A copy of every special resolution for any of the purposes mentioned in this Act, signed by the chairman of the meeting and countersigned by the secretary, shall be sent to the [F158 Authority] and, subject to subsection (4) below, shall be [F159 registered by it]; and until that copy is so registered the special resolution shall not take effect.

(4) Where, in accordance with subsection (3) above, there is sent to the [F158 Authority] a copy of a special resolution passed at a meeting of a registered friendly society for the puspose referred to in subsection (1), subsection (2) or subsection (3) of section 82 above, the resolution shall not be registered (and accordingly shall not take effect) before the expiry of the period of six weeks beginning with the date on which it is received [F158 by the Authority].

Textual Amendments

F155 Words in s. 86(1) inserted (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 33(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 5).

F156 Word in s. 86(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 32(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F157 S. 86(2A) inserted (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 33(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2(1), Sch. 3 (with art. 5).

F158 Words in s. 86(3)(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 32(b)(i)(c)(i)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F159 Words in s. 86(3) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 32(b)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C42 S. 86(2): functions transferred to the Treasury (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2(b), 4(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I (with art. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

[F160 Winding-up, suspension of business and inspection] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F160 S. 87 and heading substituted (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.34 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3.

87 [F161 Power of [F162 Authority]] to apply for winding-up of registered friendly societies and branches. U.K.

(1) If, on receiving the report on the state and conduct of the activities of a registered friendly society from a person appointed under section 65 of the 1992 Act, it appears to the [F162 Authority] that it is in the interests of the members of the society or of the public that the society should be wound up, then, unless the society is already being wound up by the court, the [F162 Authority] may present a petition to the High Court or, in Scotland, to the Court of Session for the society to be wound up by the court in accordance with the Insolvency Act 1986 or, as the case may be, the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 if the court thinks it just and equitable that this should be done.

(2) Subsection (1) above applies in relation to a registered branch of a registered friendly society as it applies in relation to such a society.

Textual Amendments

F161 S. 87 and heading substituted (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 34 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F162 Words in s. 87(1) and word in side-note substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 33 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C43 S. 87(1) extended (1.2.1993 for the purpose of application of Financial Services Act 1986 to incorporated friendly societies and 1.1.1994 for all other purposes) by 1986 c. 60, Sch. 11 para. 26(2) as substituted (1.2.1993) by 1992 c. 40, s. 98, Sch. 18, Pt. II para. 16 (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2 Sch. 4 ; S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 5.

F163 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F163 S. 88 repealed (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 35, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2(3), Sch. 3appendix.

F164 89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F164 S. 89 repealed (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 35, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2(3), Sch. 3appendix.

90 Appointment of inspectors and calling of special meetings. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, upon the application of one-fifth of the whole number of members of a registered society or, in the case of a society of not less than 1,000 members, of the appropriate number of those members, the [F165 Authority], may—

(a) appoint an inspector or inspectors to examine into and report on the affairs of the society; or

(b) call a special meeting of the society.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) above the appropriate number—

(a) is 100 in the case of a society of not less than 1,000 and not more than 10,000 members, and

(b) is 500 in the case of a society of more than 10,000 members;

but this section shall not apply to any society with branches (regardless of the number of members) except with the consent of the central body of that society.

(3) An application under this section shall be supported by such evidence for the purpose of showing that the applicants have good reason for requiring the inspection or meeting and are not actuated by malicious motives, and such notice of the application shall be given to the society, as the [F165 Authority] may direct.

(4) The [F165 Authority] may, if [F166 it] thinks fit, require the applicants to give security for the costs of the proposed inspection or meeting before appointing any inspector or calling the meeting.

(5) All expenses of and incidental or preliminary to any such inspection or meeting shall be defrayed by the members applying for it, or out of the funds of the society, or by members or officers, or former members or officers, of the society in such proportions as the [F165 Authority] may direct.

(6) An inspector appointed under this section may require the production of all or any of the books and documents of the society, and may examine on oath its officers, members, agents and servants in relation to its business, and may for that purpose administer oaths.

(7) The [F165 Authority] may direct at what time and place a special meeting under this section is to be held, and what matters are to be discussed and determined at the meeting; and the meeting shall have all the powers of a meeting called according to the rules of the society, and shall have power to appoint its own chairman notwithstanding any rule of the society to the contrary.

Textual Amendments

F165 Words in s. 90(1)(3)-(5)(7) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 34(a)(i)-(iii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F166 Word in s. 90(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 34(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C44 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 36 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3, it is provided that s. 90 shall cease to have effect (28.4.1993) in relation to registered friendly societies.

Cancellation and suspension of registration and dissolution U.K.

91 Cancellation and suspension of registration. U.K.

[F167 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Authority may by notice in writing cancel the registration of a society—

(a) at the request of the society, if the Authority thinks fit; or

(b) if the Authority is satisfied that—

(i) an acknowledgement of registration has been obtained by fraud or mistake;

(ii) the society exists for an unlawful purpose;

(iii) the society has wilfully and after notice from the Authority violated any provision of this Act;

(iv) the society has ceased to exist; or

(v) in the case of a society to which section 37(2) or (3) of the 1992 Act applies, the principal place of business of the society is outside the British Islands.

(1A) The request mentioned in subsection (1)(a) must be evidenced in such way as the Authority may direct.]

(2) Subject to the following provisions of this section, in any case falling within [F168 any of sub-paragraphs (i) to (iv) of subsection (1)(b) above in which the Authority might cancel the registration of a society, it may by notice in writing],—

(a) suspend the registration of the society for a term not exceeding three months; and

(b) from time to time renew any such suspension for the like period.

(3) Subject to subsection (4) below, not less than two months’ previous notice in writing specifying briefly the ground of the proposed cancellation or suspension shall be given to a society by the [F169 Authority before the society’s] registration is cancelled or suspended.

(4) Subsection (3) above shall not apply where the registration of a society is cancelled at its own request or under section 82(5), section 84(3) or section 85(4) above [F170 or under any provision of the 1992 Act]; and if before the expiry of the period of notice under subsection (3) above a society duly lodges an appeal under section 92 below, the society’s registration shall not be cancelled before the date of determination or abandonment of the appeal.

(5) Where before the expiry of the period of notice under subsection (3) above of the proposed cancellation of a society’s registration the society duly lodges an appeal against the proposed cancellation under section 92 below, the [F171 Authority may by notice in writing] suspend the society’s registration from the expiry of that period until the date of the determination or abandonment of the appeal.

(6) Where the registration of a society has been cancelled or suspended, notice shall forthwith be published in the Gazette and in some newspaper in general circulation in the neighbourhood of the society’s registered office.

(7) Where the registration of a society has been cancelled under subsection (1) above or suspended under subsection (2) or subsection (5) above, then, as the case may require,—

(a) from the time of the cancellation, or

(b) from the time of the suspension until the period of that suspension and any renewal of it under subsection (2)(b) above ends (whether on the expiry of that period or on a successful appeal under section 92 below against such a renewal),

the society shall not be entitled to any of the privileges of this Act as a registered society, but without prejudice to any liability actually incurred by the society (which liability may be enforced against it as if the cancellation or suspension had not taken place).

Textual Amendments

F167 S. 91(1)(1A) substituted for s. 91(1) (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 35(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F168 Words in s. 91(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 35(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F169 Words in s. 91(3) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 35(c) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F170 Words in s. 91(4) inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 37 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F171 Words in s. 91(5) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 35(d) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C45 Ss. 87,91 applied by Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60, SIF 69), ss. 140, 211(1), Sch. 11 para. 26(2)(3)

C46 S. 91(1)(2) extended (1.2.1993 for the purpose of application of Financial Services Act 1986 to incorporated friendly societies and 1.1.1994 for all other purposes) by 1986 c. 60, Sch. 11 para. 26(2) as substituted (1.2.1993) by 1992 c. 40, s. 98, Sch. 18, Pt. II para. 16 (with ss. 7(5), 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2 Sch. 4; S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 5.

92 Appeals against cancellation and suspension of registration. U.K.

(1) A society may appeal, in accordance with subsection (2) below, against—

(a) the cancellation of its registration (other than as mentioned in section 91(4) above) if the appeal is lodged before the expiry of the period of notice of the proposed cancellation given under subsection (3) of section 91 above; or

(b) the renewal under subsection (2)(b) of that section of a suspension of a society’s registration, so far as that renewal provides for the suspension to continue more than six months from the original date of suspension.

(2) An appeal under this section shall lie [F172 to the High Court or, in the case of a society whose registered office is situated in Scotland, to the Court of Session.]

Textual Amendments

F172 Words in s. 92(2) substituted for s. 92(2)(a)(b) (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 36 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

93 Dissolution of societies and branches. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, a registered society or branch may terminate or be dissolved in any of the following ways, namely—

(a) upon the happening of any event declared by the rules to be the termination of the society or branch; or

(b) [F173 by an instrument of dissolution approved by a special resolution of the society or branch;] and, in the case of a branch of a friendly society, with the consent of the central body of the society or in accordance with the society’s general rules; or

(c) by the award of the [F174 Authority] under section 95(3) [F175 or [F176 of the Commission under] 95A(1)] below.

(2) A society which has branches shall not be dissolved except with the consent of the central body of the society.

(3) If any member of a registered friendly society or branch in respect of which an instrument of dissolution has been registered in accordance with section 94 below, or if any person claiming any relief, annuity or other benefit from the funds of such a society or branch is dissatisfied with the provision made for satisfying his claim, he may within the period of three months referred to in subsection (7) of that section make an application [F177 —

(a) in England and Wales, to the county court for the district,

(b) in Scotland, to the sheriff of the sheriffdom, or

(c) in Northern Ireland, to the county court for the division,]

within which the chief or any other place of business of that society or branch is situated, and on any such application the county court or sheriff shall have the same powers in the matter as in regard to the settlement of disputes under this Act.

(4) If, in the event of a dissolution of a registered friendly society or branch, any approved annuity, as defined in section [F178 620(9) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988], ceases to be paid or any contract for the payment of such an annuity fails in whole or in part, no payment shall be made in respect thereof out of the funds of the society or branch to the annuitant or other person entitled to the benefit of the contract, but any sum which, but for this provision, would have been paid to him shall be applied in purchasing for the benefit of the annuitant an annuity (for the like term and subject to the like conditions against surrender, commutation or assignment) from a person lawfully carrying on in the United Kingdom a business of granting annuities on human life.

Textual Amendments

F173 Words in s. 93(1)(b) substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 38(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3 (with art. 11).

F174 Words in s. 93(1)(c) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 37(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F175 Words in s. 93(1)(c) inserted (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 38(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2(3), Sch. 3.

F176 Words in s. 93(1)(c) inserted (1.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3084, reg. 5 and repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 37(b), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F177 Words in s. 93(3) substituted (28.4.1993 to the extent that it introduces paragraphs (a) and (b) into section 93(3) and 1.1.1994 to the extent that it introduces paragraph (c) into section 93(3)) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 38(c) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2(3), Sch. 3; S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F178 Words substituted by Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c. 1, SIF 63:1), s. 844, Sch. 29 para. 32

94 Instrument of dissolution. U.K.

(1) The provisions of this section apply where a registered society or branch is dissolved as mentioned in paragraph (b) of section 93(1) above.

(2) The instrument of dissolution shall specify—

(a) the liabilities and assets of the society or branch in detail;

(b) the number of members and the nature of their interests in the society or branch;

(c) the claims of creditors, if any, and the provision to be made for their payment; and

(d) unless stated in the instrument of dissolution to be left to the award of the [F179 Authority], the intended appropriation or division of the funds and property of the society or branch.

(3) Alterations in the instrument of dissolution may be made with the like consents as are required by section 93(1)(b) above for the dissolution of the society or branch, testified in the same manner.

(4) The instrument of dissolution shall be sent to the [F179 Authority] accompanied by a statutory declaration made by one of the trustees or by three members and the secretary of the society or branch that the provisions of this Act have been complied with.

(5) The instrument of dissolution shall not, in the case of a registered friendly society or branch, direct or contain any provision for a division or appropriation of the funds of the society or branch, or any part thereof, except for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of the society or branch as declared in the rules thereof, unless the claim of every member or person claiming any relief, annuity or other benefit from the funds of the society or branch is first duly satisfied or adequate provisions are made for satisfying those claims.

(6) The instrument of dissolution and any alterations thereto shall be registered in like manner as an amendment of the rules of the society or branch and shall be binding upon all the members of the society or branch.

(7) The [F179 Authority] shall cause a notice of the dissolution to be advertised at the expense of the Society or branch in the Gazette and in some newspaper in general circulation in the neighbourhood of the registered office of the society or branch; and unless—

(a) within three months from the date of the Gazette in which that advertisement appears a member or other person interested in or having any claim on the funds of the society or branch commences proceedings to set aside the dissolution of the society or branch, and

(b) that dissolution is set aside accordingly,

the society or branch shall be legally dissolved from the date of the advertisement, and the requisite consents to the instrument of dissolution shall be deemed to have been duly obtained without proof of the signatures thereto.

Textual Amendments

F179 Words in s. 94(2)(d)(4)(7) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 38(a)(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

95 Dissolution by award. U.K.

(1) On receipt of an application under this section relating to a registered society or branch and after giving not less than one month’s notice in writing to the society or branch, the [F180 Authority may appoint one or more competent persons to conduct an investigation on its behalf into] the affairs of the society or branch.

(2) An application under this section shall be made in writing under the hands of the like proportion or number of members and, in the case of a society with branches with the like consent, as are required for the making of an application under section 90 above and shall—

(a) state that the funds of the society or branch are insufficient to meet the existing claims thereon, or that the rates of contribution fixed in the rules of the society or branch are insufficient to cover the benefits assured; and

(b) set forth the grounds on which the insufficiency is alleged; and

(c) request an investigation into the affairs of the society or branch with a view to the dissolution thereof.

(3) Subject to subsection (4) below, if upon an investigation under this section it appears that the funds of the society or branch are insufficient to meet the existing claims thereon, or that the rates of contribution fixed in the rules of the society or branch are insufficient to cover the benefits assured to be given by the society or branch, the [F181 Authority] may, if [F182 it] considers it expedient to do so, award that the society or branch be dissolved and its affairs wound up, and where such an award is made the [F181 Authority] shall direct in what manner the assets of the society or branch shall be divided or appropriated.

(4) Where the [F181 Authority] makes an award under subsection (3) above [F182 it] may suspend the operation thereof for such period as [F182 it] may deem necessary to enable the society or branch to make such alterations and adjustments of contributions and benefits as will in [F182 its] judgment prevent the necessity of the award of dissolution coming into operation; and where within that period the society makes such alterations and adjustments the [F181 Authority] may cancel the award.

[F183 (5) The Chief or any assistant registrar proceeding under this section shall have the same powers and authorities, enforceable by the same penalties, as in the case of a dispute referred to him under this Act.]

(6) Within twenty-one days after the making of an award of dissolution of a society or branch, the [F181 Authority] shall cause notice of the award of dissolution to be advertised in the Gazette and in some newspaper in general circulation in the neighbourhood of the registered office of the society or branch; and unless—

(a) within three months from the date on which that advertisement appears, a member or other person interested in or having any claim on the funds of the society or branch commences proceedings to set aside the dissolution of the society or branch consequent upon the award, and

(b) the dissolution is set aside accordingly,

the society or branch shall be legally dissolved from the date of the advertisement, and the requisite consents to the application under this section shall be deemed to have been duly obtained without proof of the signatures thereto.

(7) The expenses of every investigation and award under this section and of advertising every notice of dissolution shall be paid out of the funds of the society or branch before any other appropriation thereof is made.

Textual Amendments

F180 Words in s. 95(1) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 39(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F181 Words in s. 95(3)(4)(6) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 39(b)(i)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F182 Words in s. 95(3)(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 39(c)(d) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F183 S. 95(5) repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 39(e), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C47 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 39 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3, it is provided that s. 95 shall cease to have effect (28.4.1993) in relation to registered friendly societies.

[F184 95A Dissolution of registered friendly societies and branches by award. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, if upon an investigation under section 65 of the 1992 Act it appears to the [F185 Authority]—

(a) that the funds of a registered friendly society or of a registered branch of such a society are insufficient to meet the existing claims on them, or

(b) that the rates of contribution fixed in the rules of the society or branch are insufficient to cover the benefits assured to be given by the society or branch,

the [F185 Authority] may, if it considers it expedient to do so, award that the society or branch be dissolved and its affairs wound up; and where such an award is made the [F185 Authority] shall direct in what manner the assets of the society or branch shall be divided or appropriated.

(2) Where the [F185 Authority] makes an award under this section, it may suspend the operation thereof for such period as it may deem necessary to enable the society or branch to make such alterations and adjustments of contributions and benefits as will in its judgment prevent the necessity of the award of dissolution coming into operation; and where within that period the alterations and adjustments are made, the [F185 Authority] may cancel the award.

(3) The [F185 Authority] proceeding under this section shall have the same powers and authorities, enforceable by the same penalties, as the Chief Registrar has under section 95 above.

(4) Within twenty-one days after the making of an award under this section, the [F185 Authority] shall send to the central office notice of the award of dissolution and upon its receipt the central office shall cause notice of the award to be advertised in the Gazette and in some newspaper in general circulation in the neighbourhood of the registered office of the society or branch; and unless—

(a) within three months from the date on which that advertisement appears, a member or other person interested or having any claim on the funds of the society or branch commences proceedings to set aside the dissolution of the society or branch consequent upon the award, and

(b) the dissolution is set aside accordingly,

the society or branch shall be legally dissolved from the date of the advertisement.

(5) The expenses of every award, and of advertising every notice, under this section shall be paid out of the funds of the society or branch before any other appropriation thereof is made.]

Textual Amendments

F184 S. 95A inserted (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 39 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F185 Words in s. 95A(1)(2)(4) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 40(a)(c) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C48 S. 95A applied (24.5.1993) by S.I. 1993/1187, reg. 3.

96 Finality of awards for dissolution or distribution of funds. U.K.

Every award under section 95(3) [F186 or 95A(1)] above shall, without appeal, be final and conclusive on—

(a) the society or branch in respect of which the award is made; and

(b) all members of that society or branch; and

(c) all other persons having any claim on the funds of that society or branch;

and every such award shall be enforced in the same manner as a decision on a dispute under this Act.

Textual Amendments

F186 Words in s. 96 inserted (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.40 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3.

97 Notice of proceedings or order to set aside dissolution. U.K.

(1) Where any person takes proceedings to set aside the dissolution of a society or branch, he shall give notice of the proceedings to the [F187 Authority] not later than the expiry of whichever of the following periods first expires, namely,—

(a) the period of seven days after the commencement of the proceedings; and

(b) the period of three months referred to in section 94(7)(a) above or, as the case may require, section 95(6)(a) [F188 or 95A(4)(a)] above.

(2) Where an order is made setting aside the dissolution of a society or branch, the society or branch shall give notice of the order to the [F187 Authority] within seven days after the order is made.

Textual Amendments

F187 Words in s. 97(1)(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 41 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F188 Words in s. 97(1)(b) inserted (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 41 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3.

Offences, penalties and legal proceedings U.K.

98 Offences. U.K.

(1) It shall be an offence under this Act if—

(a) a registered society or branch or an officer or member thereof fails to give any notice, send any return or document, or do or allow to be done anything which the society, branch, officer or member is by this Act required to give, send, do or allow to be done; or

(b) a registered society or branch or an officer or member thereof wilfully neglects or refuses to do any act or to furnish any information required for the purposes of this Act by the [F189 Authority] or by any other person authorised under this Act, or does anything forbidden by this Act; or

(c) a registered society or branch or an officer or member thereof makes a return or wilfully furnishes information in any respect false or insufficient, being a return or information required for the purposes of this Act; or

(d) an officer or member of a body which, having been a branch of a society, has wholly seceded or been expelled from that society, thereafter uses the name of that society or any name implying that the body is a branch of that society or the number by which that body was designated as such a branch; or

F190 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f) a society or branch, whether registered or unregistered, pays money on the death of a child under ten years of age otherwise than as is provided by this Act; or

(g) a parent or personal representative of the parent claiming money on the death of a child produces [F191 to the society or branch from which the money is claimed a false death] certificate or one fraudulently obtained, or in any way attempts to defeat the provisions of this Act with respect to payments upon the death of children.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) above shall apply to any act, omission or contravention which constitutes an offence by virtue of any provision of this Act other than that subsection [F192 or to any act, omission or contravention which by virtue of any such provision constitutes an offence under the Industrial Assurance Act 1923 [F193 or the Industrial Assurance (Northern Ireland) Order 1979]].

(3) A society or branch and any officer or member of a society or branch or other person guilty of an offence under this Act, other than an offence for which some other penalty is expressly provided by this Act, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F194 level 3 on the standard scale].

(4) If an officer of a friendly society or any other person aids or abets F195 . . . in the dissolution of a friendly society otherwise than as provided in this Act, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F194 level 4 on the standard scale].

(5) Where a registered society or branch is guilty of an offence under this Act, every officer of the society or branch who is bound by the rules thereof to fulfil any duty whereof the offence is a breach, or if there is no such officer then every member of the committee other than a member who is proved to have been ignorant of or to have attempted to prevent the commission of the offence, shall be liable to the same penalty as if he had committed the offence.

(6) Every default under this Act which constitutes an offence shall, if it continues, constitute a new offence in every week during which the default continues.

(7) Subject to subsection (8) below, notwithstanding any limitation on the time for the taking of proceedings contained in any enactment, summary proceedings for offences under this Act which are instituted by the [F196 Authority or by the Lord Advocate] may be commenced at any time within one year of the first discovery thereof by the [F197 Authority (or the Lord Advocate, as the case may be)], but not in any case after more than three years from the commission of the offence.

[F198 (8) Subsection (7) above shall not apply where the society or branch by or in respect of which, or the person by or in respect of whom, the offence is alleged to have been committed is a collecting society or an officer of such a society (for which cases corresponding provision is made by section 39(5) of the Industrial Assurance Act 1923 [F199 and Article 46(2) of the Industrial Assurance (Northern Ireland) (Order 1979)]]

Textual Amendments

F189 Word in s. 98(1)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 42(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F190 S. 98(1)(e) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. 1 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2 appendix.

F191 Words in s. 98(1)(g) substituted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 42(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F192 Words in s. 98(2) repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 42(b), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F193 Words in s. 98(2) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 42(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2

F194 Words substituted (E.W.S.) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G

F195 Words in s. 98(4) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2 appendix.

F196 Words in s. 98(7) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 42(c)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F197 Words in s. 98(7) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 42(c)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F198 S. 98(8) repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 42(d), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F199 Words in s. 98(8) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 42(c) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2

99 Punishment of fraud, etc. and recovery of property misapplied. U.K.

(1) If any person, with intent to mislead or defraud,—

(a) gives to any other person a copy of any rules, laws, regulations or other documents, other than the rules of a registered society or branch, on the pretence that they are the existing rules of that society or branch or that there are no other rules of the society or branch, or

(b) gives to any person a copy of any rules on the pretence that they are the rules of a registered society or branch when the society or branch is not registered,

he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £400 or on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both a fine and such a term of imprisonment.

(2) If any person obtains possession by false representation or imposition of any property of a registered society or branch, or fraudulently withholds any such property in his possession or fraudulently applies any such property for purposes which are not authorised by the rules of the society or branch or which are not in accordance with this Act, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F200 level 5 on the standard scale]and to be ordered to deliver up that property or to repay all moneys improperly applied; and any person who fails to comply with such an order made by a court in Scotland shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months.

(3) If—

(a) in proceedings under subsection (2) above which do not result in a conviction, or

(b) in civil proceedings instituted for the purpose,

a magistrates’ court or, in Scotland, the sheriff is satisfied that any person having possession of any property of a registered society or branch has failed to deliver it up when requested to do so by the society or branch, the court or sheriff may make an order requiring him to deliver up that property; and any person who fails to comply with such an order made by a sheriff in Scotland shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months.

(4) If in any such proceedings as are referred to in subsection (3) above a magistrates’ court or sheriff is satisfied that any person has applied money belonging to a registered society or branch for purposes which are not authorised by the rules of the society or branch or which are not in accordance with this Act, the court or sheriff may order him to repay to the society or branch the money which he has so applied; and, whatever the nature of the proceedings in which any such order is made, the order shall be enforceable as an order for the payment of money recoverable, in the central registration area, summarily as a civil debt.

[F201 (4A) In the application of subsection (4) above to Scotland, the word “summarily” is to be omitted.]

(5) Where a magistrates’ court or sheriff makes an order under subsection (3) or subsection (4) above, that order may be appealed against as if it were an order of that court made on the conviction of the person to whom the order is directed.

(6) Proceedings under subsection (2) above may be instituted by, [F202 and in the central registration area only by,] the following persons, that is to say—

(a) in the case of a registered society, by the society or any member authorised by the society, or the trustees or committee of the society; or

(b) in the case of a registered branch, by the branch or any member authorised by it or the trustees or committee thereof or by the central body of the society of which the branch forms part, or by any member of the society or branch authorised by the central body; or

[F203 (c) in any case, by any member of the society or branch authorised by the Authority; or

(d) except in Scotland, by the Authority;

and (except in Scotland) no other person may institute such proceedings.]

(7) Nothing in this Act shall prevent any person guilty of an offence under this section from being proceeded against by way of indictment, if he has not previously been convicted of the same offence under the provisions of this Act.

Textual Amendments

F200 Words substituted (E.W.S.) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G

F201 S. 99(4A) inserted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 43(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F202 Words in s. 99(6) repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 43(b)(i), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F203 S. 99(6)(c)(d) and following words substituted for s. 99(6)(c) (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 43(b)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

100 Falsification of balance sheets, etc. U.K.

If any person wilfully, and with intent to falsify the document in question or to evade any of the provisions of this Act, makes, orders or allows to be made any entry or erasure in, or omission from,—

(a) a balance sheet of a registered society or branch, or [F204 other than a registered friendly society or branch of such a society]

(b) a return or document required to be sent, produced or delivered for the purposes of this Act,

he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F205 level 5 on the standard scale].

Textual Amendments

F204 Words in s. 100(a) added (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.43 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6.

F205 Words substituted (E.W.S.) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G

101 Prosecution of offences, recovery of costs or expenses. U.K.

(1) Summary proceedings for an offence under this Act may be instituted by the [F206 Authority] or by any person aggrieved.

[F207 (1A) In the application of subsection (1) to Scotland, the reference to the Authority is to be read as a reference to the Lord Advocate.]

(2) Any costs or expenses ordered or directed by the [F206 Authority] to be paid by any person under this Act shall be recoverable summarily as a civil debt.

(3) In the application of subsection (2) above to Scotland, the word “summarily” shall be omitted.

Textual Amendments

F206 Words in s. 101(1)(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 44(a)(c) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F207 S. 101(1A) inserted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 44(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

102 Jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts. U.K.

Without prejudice to the provisions of [F208 the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980][F209 or the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981]as to the jurisdiction of a magistrates’ court, in England and Wales [F209 or Northern Ireland] all summary offences under this Act may be prosecuted—

(a) where the prosecution is against a registered society or branch or any officer thereof, before a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area in which the registered office of the society or branch is situated; and

(b) where the prosecution is against a person other than a registered society or branch or an officer thereof, before a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area in which the person is resident at the time of the institution of the prosecution;

[F209 and, in the application of this section to Northern Ireland, the reference in paragraph (a) to a petty sessions area shall be construed as a reference to a county court division and paragraph (b) shall be omitted.]

Textual Amendments

F208 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 131

F209 Words in s. 102 inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 44(a)(b)(c) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

103 Legal proceedings concerning registered societies, etc. U.K.

(1) The trustees of a registered society or branch, or any officers authorised by the rules thereof, may bring or defend, or cause to be brought or defended, any action or other legal proceedings in any court whatsoever, touching or concerning any property, right or claim of the society or branch, and may sue and be sued in their proper names, without any other description than the title of their office.

(2) In legal proceedings brought under this Act by a member or person claiming through a member, a registered society or branch may also be sued in the name, as defendant or defender, of any officer or person who receives contributions or issues policies on behalf of the society or branch within the jurisdiction of the court in which the legal proceedings are brought, with the addition of the words “ on behalf of the society or branch ” (naming the same).

(3) Legal proceedings shall not abate or be discontinued by the death, resignation or removal from office, of any officer, or by any act of any officer after the commencement of the proceedings.

(4) The summons, writ, process or other proceeding to be issued to or against the officer or other person sued on behalf of a registered society or branch shall be sufficiently served by personally serving that officer or other person or by leaving a true copy thereof at the registered office of the society or branch, or at any place of business of the society or branch within the jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is brought, or if that office or place of business is closed, by posting the copy on the outer door of that office or place of business.

(5) In any case where any such summons, writ, process or other proceeding as is mentioned in subsection (4) above is not served in one of the ways specified in that subsection, it shall be served by sending a copy thereof in a letter sent by registered post or by the recorded delivery service addressed to the committee at the registered office of the society or branch and posted at least six days before any further step is taken in the proceedings.

(6) Where proceedings are taken against a society or branch for the recovery of any fine under this Act the summons or other process shall be sufficiently served by leaving a true copy thereof at the registered office of the society or branch or at any place of business of the society or branch which is within the jurisdiction of the court in which the proceedings are brought or, if that office or place of business is closed, by posting the copy on the outer door of that office or place of business.

(7) Where the person against whom any proceedings are to be taken is himself a trustee of a society or branch, the proceedings may be brought by the other trustees or trustee of the society or branch.

Miscellaneous U.K.

F210 104 Fees. U.K.

(1 ) The Treasury may make regulations determining a scale of fees to be paid for matters to be transacted or for the inspection of documents under this Act [F211 or the Friendly Societies (Long Term Insurance Business) Regulations 1987].

(2) The Treasury may by order provide that on the registration of, or of any amendment of the rules of, a society of any description specified in paragraphs (a) to (e) of section 7(1) above, fees may be charged in accordance with a scale determined by the Treasury under subsection (1) above, but, except in so far as an order so provides, no fees shall be payable on the registration of, or of any amendment of the rules of, any such society.

(3) The power to make an order under subsection (2) above includes power to vary or revoke such an order by a further order so made.

(4) Any power to make an order under this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, and a statutory instrument made in the exercise of any such power shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5) All fees received by the Chief or an assistant registrar under or by virtue of this Act shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 104: s. 104 for previous exercises of power see Index of Government Orders.

P2 s. 104(1) power exercised by SI 1991/519.

Textual Amendments

F210 S. 104A substituted for s. 104 (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 45 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F211 Words inserted by S.I. 1987/2132, reg. 60(2)

[104A F212 Fees for inspection or copying of documents. U.K.

Before the Authority allows any person to inspect any document held by it in connection with this Act, or provides any person with a copy of any such document (or part of such document), it may charge that person a reasonable fee.]

Textual Amendments

F212 S. 104A substituted for S. 104 (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 45 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

105 Exemptions from stamp duty. U.K.

Stamp duty shall not be chargeable upon any of the following documents, that is to say—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F213

(b) a policy of insurance or appointment or revocation of appointment of an agent or other document required or authorised by this Act or by the rules of a registered society or branch.

Textual Amendments

F213 S. 105(a) repealed by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54, SIF 63:1), s. 98(6), Sch. 27 Pt. IX (2)

F214 106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F214 S. 106 ceased to have effect (1.2.1993) by virtue of Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 45 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3 and repealed (28.4.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/1186, art. 2, Sch. 3appendix.

107 Provision as to information supplied for purposes of national insurance and social security. U.K.

(1) Subject to any exceptions or conditions prescribed by regulations of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall at the request of any person claiming benefit from a registered friendly society or branch provide the society or branch for the purposes of the claim with a copy or abstract of any medical certificate relating to that person and supplied by him to the Secretary of State for purposes of the enactment relating to F215 . . . social security.

(2) Where the Secretary of State furnishes a registered friendly society or branch, in connection with a claim for benefit from the society or branch, with information relating to a claim or award under those enactments, the expenses incurred in connection therewith by the Secretary of State or any other Government Department shall be treated as expenses in carrying those enactments into effect.

[F216 (2A) In the application of this section to Northern Ireland, references to the Secretary of State shall be construed as references to the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland.]

(3) Until the amendments of section 9 of the M6 Friendly Societies Act 1955 made by section 100(2)(a) of and paragraph 17 of Schedule 27 to the M7 Social Security Act 1973 come into force the foregoing provisions of this section shall have effect as set out in Schedule 7 to this Act.

Textual Amendments

F215 Words in s. 107(1) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.1 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6. appendix.

F216 S. 107(2A) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.46 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

Marginal Citations

M6 1955 c. 19 (4 & 5 Eliz. 2.

M7 1973 c. 38.

108 Protection for members of registered societies joining the forces. U.K.

Anyprovision in the rules of a registered society or branch which purports to deprive persons of membership of the society or branch or of any interest therein by reason of their service in any of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown . . . shall be of no effect, and no person shall be fined for failure to attend any meeting of the society or branch or otherwise to comply with the rules thereof if the failure was due to his or her service as mentioned in this subsection.

109 Regulations. U.K.

(1) The Treasury may make regulations with respect to—

(a) registration and procedure under this Act, including, subject to sections 41(1) and 43(6) of this Act, the forms to be used for any purpose under this Act;

(b) the seal to be used [F217 by the Authority for the registration of any society or document (including any amendment to any document) under this Act, the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965, the Building Societies Act 1986, or the Friendly Societies Act 1992, or otherwise for sealing any document for the purposes of this Act or any of those Acts];

(c) the duties and functions of the [F218 Authority under this Act]; and

(d) the inspection of documents kept by the [F219 Authority] under this Act;

and generally for carrying this Act into effect.

(2) Any power of the Treasury, [F220 or the Secretary of State] to make regulations under this Act shall be exercisable by statutory instrument and a statutory instrument made in the exercise of any such power, other than an instrument containing only regulations under section [F221 9 or]42 above, shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

[F222 (3) The Statutory Instruments Act 1946 shall apply to any power of the Chief Registrar under this Act to make regulations by statutory instrument as if he were a Minister of the Crown]

Textual Amendments

F217 Words in s. 109(1)(b) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8,, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 46(a)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F218 Words in s. 109(1)(c) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 46(a)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F219 Word in s. 109(1)(d) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 46(a)(iii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F220 Words in s. 109(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 46(b)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F221 Words in s. 109(2) repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 46(b)(ii), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F222 S. 109(3) repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 46(c), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

110 Evidence and deposit of documents. U.K.

[F223 (1) Any document bearing the seal or stamp of the Authority shall be received in evidence without further proof.

F223 (2) Any document purporting to have been signed by a person authorised to do so on behalf of the Authority, and every document purporting to be signed by any inspector or public valuer under this Act, shall, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, be received in evidence without proof of the signature.

F223 (2A) In subsections (1) and (2), “document” means any document issued, received or created by the Authority (or, as the case may be, by any inspector or public valuer under this Act) for the purposes of or in connection with this Act.]

(3) All documents required by this Act to be sent to the [F224 Authority] shall be deposited with the rules of the societies to which the documents respectively relate and shall be registered or recorded by the [F224 Authority], with such observations thereon, if any, as [F225 it considers appropriate].

Textual Amendments

F223 S. 110(1)-(2A) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 47(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F224 Words in s. 110(3) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 47(b)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F225 Words in s. 110(3) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 47(b)(ii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

General provisions U.K.

111 Interpretation. U.K.

(1) In this Act, unless a contrary intention appears,—

• “amendment of rule” includes a new rule and a resolution rescinding a rule;

• “annual return” shall be construed in accordance with section 43 above;

[F226 “the Authority” means the Financial Services Authority;]

• “branch” means any number of the members of a society, under the control of a central body, having a separate fund administered by themselves or by a committee or officers appointed by themselves, and bound to contribute to a fund under the control of a central body;

• [F227 “the central registration area” has the meaning assigned to it by section 4(2) above;]

• [F227 “collecting society” has the same meaning as in the M8 Industrial Assurance Act 1923 [F228 or the Industrial Assurance (Northern Ireland) Order 1979];]

• [F229 F227 “Commission” means the Friendly Societies Commission;]

• “committee” means the committee of management or other directing body of a society or branch;

• “the Companies Acts” means the [F230 Companies Act 1985 [F228 or, in Northern Ireland, the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986]]and any earlier enactment for the like purposes which has been repealed;

• “exempt society” and “exempt branch” shall be construed in accordance with section 31(4) above;

• “Gazette”, in relation to a registered society or branch, means—

  (a)

  the London Gazette if the registered office of the society or branch is situated in [F231 England and Wales, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man];

  (b)

  the Edinburgh Gazette if the registered office of the society or branch is situated in Scotland;

(c)

[F232 the Belfast Gazette if the registered office of the society or branch is in Northern Ireland]

• “land” includes any interest in land and, in Scotland, heritable subjects of whatever description;

• “meeting” includes, where the rules of a society or branch so allow, a meeting of delegates appointed by members;

• “officer” includes any trustee, treasurer, secretary, or member of the committee of management of a society or branch or any person appointed by the society or branch to sue and be sued on its behalf;

• “persons claiming through a member” includes the nominees of the member where nomination is allowed;

• “property” extends to all property, whether real or personal, including books and papers and (in Scotland) to all heritable and moveable estate;

• “proposal”, in relation to an insurance, includes an application for an insurance;

• “qualified actuary” has the meaning assigned to it by section 9(3) above;

• “registered”, in relation to a society or branch, means registered under this Act or any other enactment (whether similar in extent to this Act or not) which at any time before the commencement of this Act made provision for registration similar to that made by this Act;

• “signed”, in relation to a body corporate means sealed; and

• [F229 “the 1992 Act” means the Friendly Societies Act 1992]

• “Treasury regulations” means any regulations made [F233 and approved] by the Treasury and in force under this Act.

(2) Any reference in this Act to a particular type of society shall be construed in accordance with section 7(1) above.

[F234 (3) Any reference in this Act to the seal of the Authority is a reference to the seal provided for in regulations made under section 109(1)(b) (and not to the Authority’s common seal).]

(4) In this Act “year of account” in relation to a registered society or branch, means, with respect to the year in which it is first registered, the period beginning with the date of registration and ending with 31st December of that year and, in any other case, a period of twelve months ending with 31st December; and

(a) “the current year of account”, in relation to the appointment of an auditor or auditors, means the year of account in which the question of that appointment arises; and

(b) “the preceding year of account” means the year of account immediately preceding the current year of account.

(5) In the application of this Act to Scotland “heritable security” means any security capable of being constituted over any interest in land by disposition or assignation of that interest in security of any debt, and of being recorded in the Register of Sasines.

F235 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) Except in so far as the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Act to any other enactment shall be taken as referring to that enactment as amended by or under any other enactment, including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F226 S. 111(1): definition of “the Authority” inserted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 48(a)(i) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F227 S. 111(1): definitions of “the central registration area”

“collecting society” and “Commission” omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 48(a)(ii), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F228 Words in s. 111(1) added and inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 48(a)(c) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F229 Definitions in s. 111(1) inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 48(b)(e) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F230 Words substituted by Companies Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1985 (c. 9, SIF 27), s. 30, Sch. 2

F231 S. 111(1): word in para. (a) of the definition of “Gazette” substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 48(a)(iii) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F232 Paragraph (c) in the definition of "Gazette" in s. 111(1) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 48(d) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F233 S. 111(1): words in definition of “Treasury regulations” omitted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 48(a)(iv), Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F234 S. 111(3) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 48(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F235 S. 111(6) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2 appendix.

Marginal Citations

M8 1923 c. 8.

112 Isle of Man. U.K.

(1) Subject to any express provision of this Act with respect to the Isle of Man, this Act in its application to the Isle of Man shall have effect subject to such adaptations and modifications as Her Majesty may by Order in Council specify.

(2) Any Order in Council under subsection (1) above may be varied or revoked by a subsequent Order in Council so made.

113 Channel Islands. U.K.

(1) Subject to any express provision of this Act with respect to the Channel Islands, this Act in its application to those Islands shall have effect subject to such adaptations and modifications as Her Majesty may by Order in Council specify.

(2) Any Order in Council under subsection (1) above may be varied or revoked by a subsequent Order in Council so made.

114 Payments to legal representative in Channel Islands and Isle of Man. U.K.

Where any sum of money becomes payable on the death of a person entitled to make a nomination under this Act but domiciled in any of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, that sum shall, in default of any such nomination, be paid to the deceased’s legal representative according to the law of the Island in which the deceased was domiciled.

F236 115 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F236 s. 115 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 49, Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2appendix.

116 Amendments, transitory provisions and repeals. U.K.

(1) The enactments specified in Schedule 9 to this Act shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in that Schedule.

(2) The transitory provisions in Schedule 10 to this Act shall haveeffect.

(3) The inclusion in this Act of any express saving or amendment shall not be taken as prejudicing the operation of section 38 of the M9 Interpretation Act 1889 (which relates to the effect of repeals).

(4) Subject to subsection (2) above, the enactments specified in Schedule 11 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C49 The text of s. 116(1) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991

Marginal Citations

M9 1889 c. 63.

117 Short title, commencement and extent. U.K.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Friendly Societies Act 1974.

(2) This section, sections 112, 113 and 115 above and so much of section 109 above as relates to regulations under section 115 shall come into operation on the passing of this Act and the other provisions of this Act shall come into operation on such days as the Treasury may by order made by statutory instrument appoint.

Any reference in this Act to the commencement of this Act is a reference to the day appointed under this subsection.

(3) This Act extends to [F237 Northern Ireland,] the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands F238 . . ..

Textual Amendments

F237 Words in s. 117(3) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.50 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2.

F238 Words in s. 117(3) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I ((with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/3226, art. 2, Sch. 2appendix.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C50 1.4.1975 appointed under s. 117(2) by S.I. 1975/204 for all provisions not coming into operation on passing of the Act

SCHEDULES

[F239 SCHEDULE 1] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F239 Sch. 1 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

[F240 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F240 Sch. 1 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

Section 7(2).

SCHEDULE 2 U.K. Matters to be provided for by the Rules of Societies registered under this Act

Part I U.K. Provisions Applicable to all Societies

1 U.K. The name of the society.

2 U.K. The place which is to be the registered office of the society, to which all communications and notices may be addressed.

3 (1) Subject to [F241 sub-paragraphs (2) and (3)] below, the whole of the objects for which the society is to be established, the purposes for which the funds thereof shall be applicable, the terms of admission of members, the conditions under which any member may become entitled to any benefit assured by the society, and F242 . . . forfeitures to be imposed on any member and the consequences of non-payment of any subscription F242 . . .. U.K.

(2) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) above shall require the inclusion in the rules of a registered society of tables relating to the benefits payable to or in respect of any members of the society in pursuance of [F243 group insurance business].

[F244 (3) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) above shall prevent a registered friendly society from specifying in its rules the manner in which the conditions under which any member may become entitled to any benefit assured by the society are to be determined, instead of specifying the conditions themselves.]

Textual Amendments

F241 Words in Sch. 2 para. 3(1) substituted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 51(1)(a) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6.

F242 Words in Sch. 2 para. 3(1) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), ss. 95, 120(2), Sch. 16 para. 51(1)(a), Sch. 22 Pt. I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 appendix.

F243 Words in Sch. 2 para. 3(2) substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 49(a) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

F244 Sch. 2 para. 3(3) inserted (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 51(1)(b) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6.

4 U.K. The mode of holding meetings and right of voting, and the manner of making, altering or rescinding rules.

5 U.K. The appointment and removal of a committee of management (by whatever name), of a treasurer and other officers and of trustees and, in the case of a society with branches, the composition and powers of the central body and the conditions under which a branch may secede from the society.

6 U.K. The investment of the funds, the keeping of the accounts and the audit of the accounts at least once a year.

7 U.K. Annual returns to the [F245 Authority] relating to the affairs and numbers of members of the society.

Textual Amendments

F245 Word in Sch. 2 para. 7 substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 49(b) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C51 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 51(2) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6, it is provided that paras. 7, 12 and 15 shall cease to have effect (1.1.1994) in relation to registered friendly societies.

8 U.K. The inspection of the books of the society by every person having an interest in the funds of the society.

9 U.K. The manner in which disputes shall be settled.

10 U.K. In the case of dividing societies, a provision for meeting all claims upon the society existing at the time of division before any such division takes place.

11 (1) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that nothing in paragraph 3 above requires the rules of a society to contain tables in accordance with which obligations to provide benefits to members have been undertaken or policies of assurance have been issued by the society, if the rules of the society provide that no further obligations may be undertaken or (as the case may be) no further policies may be issued in accordance with any such tables.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (1) above and sub-paragraph (3) below, the tables which the rules of a registered society are required to contain by virtue of paragraph 3 above and any tables contained in the rules of a branch shall, in the case of a society or branch which proposes to carry on long-term business within the meaning of the M10 Insurance Companies Act 1974, be tables which, in so far as they relate to that business, have been certified by a qualified actuary.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) above does not apply—

(a) to a society first registered before 26th July 1968, nor

(b) to a branch of such a society, nor

(c) to a society formed by the amalgamation of two or more such societies.

Marginal Citations

M10 1974 c. 49.

Part II U.K. Provisions Applicable to Friendly Societies and Cattle Insurance Societies

12 U.K. The keeping of proper accounts in accordance with section 29 of this Act and the keeping of a separate account of the expenses of management and of all contributions and other moneys which may be applied to those expenses.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C52 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 51(2) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6, it is provided that paras. 7, 12 and 15 shall cease to have effect (1.1.1994) in relation to registered friendly societies.

13 U.K. Except with respect to cattle insurance societies, such periodic valuation or valuations (if any) of the assets and liabilities of the society as a whole, or of the assets and liabilities of the society in respect of any particular business or businesses conducted by the society, as may from time to time be required by law in the case of that society.

14 U.K. The voluntary dissolution of the society F246 . . ..

Textual Amendments

F246 Words in Sch. 2 para. 14 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

15 U.K. The right of one-fifth of the total number of members, or of 100 members in the case of a society of not less than 1,000 members and not more than 10,000, or of 500 members in the case of a society of more than 10,000 members, to apply to the [F247 Authority], for an investigation of the affairs of the society or for winding it up.

Textual Amendments

F247 Word in Sch. 2 para. 15 substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 49(c) (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C53 By Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para. 51(2) (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6, it is provided that paras. 7, 12 and 15 shall cease to have effect (1.1.1994) in relation to registered friendly societies.

F248 F249 [F250 SCHEDULE 3 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F248 Sch. 3 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

F249 Sch. 3 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

F250 Sch. 3 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6,appendix.

Section 57.

SCHEDULE 4 U.K. Form of Receipt to be Endorsed on Mortgage or Further Charge

The trustees of the .........................................Society [or the .............. branch of the ..........................Society] hereby acknowledge to have received all moneys intended to be secured by the within [or above] written deed.

Signed [Signatures of Trustees]

Trustees

Countersigned [Signature of Secretary]

Secretary

[F251 SCHEDULE 5] U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F251 Sch. 5 repealed (5.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/197, art. 2(b),Sch.

Section 74.

SCHEDULE 6 U.K. Provisions Applicable Where Person Assured is Resident Outside the United Kingdom and Isle of Man

1 (1) Notwithstanding anything in Schedule 1 to this Act, a society is a friendly society for the purposes of this Act (and may be registered as such) if it is a society for the purpose of providing by voluntary subscriptions of the members thereof, with or without the aid of donations, for insuring money to be paid for the funeral expenses of any of the persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) below, where, subject to the provisions of any Order in Council under section 7 of the M11 Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948, at the time of the proposal the person in question is ordinarily resident outside the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.

(2) The persons referred to in sub-paragraph (1) above are the husband, wife or child of a member or the widow of a deceased member.

Marginal Citations

M11 1948 c. 39.

2 (1) Notwithstanding anything in Schedule 1 to this Act and subject to section 72 of this Act and sub-paragraph (3) below, among the purposes for which a registered friendly society may issue policies of insurance shall be included insuring money to be paid to a member on the duration for a specified period of the life of any of the persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) below where, subject to the provisions of any Order in Council under section 7 of the Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948, the life in question is that of a person who at the time of the proposal is ordinarily resident outside the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man; and such a policy may include provision for the payment of money in the event of the death of that person before the expiration of the specified period.

(2) The persons referred to in sub-paragraph (1) above are a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother or sister of the member in question.

(3) No such society shall insure or pay on the death of any person under such a policy any sum of money exceeding a reasonable amount for funeral expenses.

(4) The issuing of such policies by a collecting society shall, unless the premiums in respect thereof are payable at intervals of two months or more, be treated as part of the industrial assurance business of the society.

(5) This paragraph and so much of paragraph 4 below as relates to this paragraph shall in their application to collecting societies be construed as one with the Industrial Assurance Acts 1923 to 1968.

3 A registered friendly society or branch thereof shall not in pursuance of paragraph 1 or 2 above insure or pay on the death of a child under the ages hereinafter specified any sum of money which exceeds or which, when added to any amount payable on the death of that child by any other such society or branch or by any trade union or industrial assurance company, exceeds the amounts hereinafter specified, that is to say—

(a) in the case of a child under 3 years of age, £6;

(b) in the case of a child under 6 years of age, £10;

(c) in the case of a child under 10 years of age, £15.

4 (1) For the purpose of calculating the maximum sum which may be insured or paid under paragraph 2 or 3 above no account shall be taken of any repayment of the whole or any part of the premiums paid in respect of any endowment policy, or in respect of a policy or other contract insuring money to be paid on marriage, and paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 below shall not apply as respects any such repayment.

(2) In this paragraph “endowment policy” has the same meaning as in section 75 of this Act.

5 (1) Notwithstanding anything in section 70 of this Act, a registered friendly society or branch shall not in pursuance of paragraph 1 or 2 above pay any sum on the death of a child under 10 years of age except upon production by the person claiming payment of a certificate of death issued by the registrar of deaths, or other person having the care of the register of deaths, in accordance with the following provisions of this paragraph.

(2) Where application is made for a certificate of the death of a child for the purpose of sub-paragraph (1) above, the name of the society or branch and the sum sought to be obtained therefrom shall be stated to the registrar of deaths.

(3) The registrar shall write on or at the foot of the certificate the words “to be produced to the society or branch (naming it) said to be liable for payment of the sum of £ (stating the amount”.

(4) All certificates of the same death given for the purpose of sub-paragraph (1) above shall be numbered in consecutive order.

6 (1) A registrar of deaths shall not give for the purpose of paragraph 5(1) above any one or more certificates of death for the payment in the whole of any sum of money exceeding £6 on the death of a child under 3 years, £10 on the death of a child under 6 years or £15 on the death of a child under 10 years.

(2) A registrar of deaths shall not grant any such certificate for the said purpose unless the cause of death has been previously entered in the register of deaths on the certificate of a coroner or of a registered medical practitioner who attended the child during its last illness, or except upon the production of a certificate of the probable cause of death under the hand of a registered medical practitioner or of other satisfactory evidence thereof.

7 A registered friendly society or branch to which is produced for the purpose of paragraph 5(1) above a certificate of the death of a child which does not purport to be the first shall, before paying any money thereon, inquire whether any and what sums of money have been paid on the same death by any other society or branch.

8 Nothing in this Schedule respecting payments on the death of children shall apply to insurances on the lives of children of any age, where the person insuring has an interest in the life of the person insured.

9 Section 7 of the M12 Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948 (which confers power by Order in Council to provide for extending the application of certain provisions of that Act originally limited to persons resident in Great Britain and for consequential amendment of provisions of that Act) shall have effect as if section 74 of this Act and paragraphs 1 and 2 above were provisions of that Act and for the consequential amendment of which provision may accordingly be made by Order in Council under that section.

Marginal Citations

M12 1948 c. 39.

[F262 SCHEDULE 6A U.K. CONVERSION OF REGISTERED SOCIETIES INTO INDUSTRIAL AND PROVIDENT SOCIETIES: SUPPLEMENTARY

Textual Amendments

F262 Sch. 6A inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.52 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F263 1 U.K. This Schedule has effect in relation to any registered society (“the society”) which is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 and, in this Schedule, “registration” means registration under that Act.

Textual Amendments

F263 Sch. 6A inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.52 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch.3.

F264 2 (1) On the registration of the society any appointment as trustee of the society or any branch of it shall determine. U.K.

(2) All officers of the society other than its trustees shall upon its registration become officers of the industrial and provident society holding corresponding offices in that society.

Textual Amendments

F264 Sch. 6A inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.52 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

Prospective

F265 3 U.K. Any agreement made, transaction effected or other thing done by, to or in relation to the society or any branch of it (whether registered or not) which is in force or effective immediately before its registration shall have effect as if made, effected or done by, to or in relation to the [F266 new] society, in all respects, as if the [F266 new] society were the same person as the society or branch and accordingly references to the society or branch—

(a) in any agreement (whether or not in writing) and in any deed, bond or instrument;

(b) in any process or other document issued, prepared or employed for the purposes of any proceeding before any court or other tribunal or authority; and

(c) in any other document whatsoever (other than an enactment) relating to or affecting any property, right or liability of the registered society or branch,

shall be taken as referring to the [F266 new] society.

Textual Amendments

F265 Sch. 6A inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.52 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

F266 Words in Sch. 6A para. 3 substituted (1.8.2014) by Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (c. 14), s. 154, Sch. 4 para. 30(4) (with Sch. 5)

F267 4 (1) Any agreement made by the society or any branch of it which is in force immediately before the society’s registration shall have effect as if— U.K.

(a) for references to members of the society or branch there were substituted references to members of the industrial and provident society;

(b) for references to officers of the society or branch other than its trustees there were substituted references to the corresponding officers of the industrial and provident society; and

(c) for references to the trustees of the registered society or branch there were substituted references to the industrial and provident society.

(2) References in sub-paragraph (1) above to an agreement include references to a deed, bond or other instrument.

(3) It is hereby declared for the avoidance of doubt that—

(a) the effect of section 84A of this Act in relation to any contract of employment with the society or any of its branches in force immediately before the society’s registration is merely to modify the contract by substituting the industrial and provident society as the employer (and not to terminate the contract or vary it in any other way); and

(b) that section is effective to vest the rights and liabilities of the society or branch under any agreement or arrangement for the payment of pensions, allowances or gratuities in the industrial and provident society along with all other rights and liabilities of the society or branch;

and accordingly any period of employment with the society or branch shall count for all purposes as a period of employment with the industrial and provident society.]

Textual Amendments

F267 Sch. 6A inserted (1.2.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 95, Sch. 16 para.52 (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/16, art. 2, Sch. 3.

Section 107.

SCHEDULE 7 U.K. Provisions of Section 107 of this Act to have effect until Coming Into Force of Certain Provisions of the Social Security Act 1973

107 (1) Subject to any exceptions or conditions prescribed by regulations of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall at the request of any person claiming benefit from a registered friendly society or branch provide the society or branch for the purposes of the claim with a copy or abstract of any medical certificate relating to that person and supplied by him to the Secretary of State for purposes of the Insurance Acts. U.K.

In this section “the Insurance Acts” means the National Insurance Acts 1965 to 1974 and the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Acts 1965 to 1974.

(2) Where the Secretary of State furnishes a registered friendly society or branch, in connection with a claim for benefit from the society or branch, with information relating to a claim or award under the Insurance Acts, the expenses incurred in connection therewith by the Secretary of State or any other government department shall be treated as expenses in carrying into effect either the M13 National Insurance Act 1965 or the M14 National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act 1965, as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate.

Marginal Citations

M13 1965 c. 51.

M14 1965 c. 52.

SCHEDULE 8 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F268

Textual Amendments

F268 Sch. 8 repealed by Armed Forces Act 1981 (c. 55, SIF 7:1), s. 28(2), Sch. 5 Pt. I

Section 116(1).

SCHEDULE 9 U.K. AMENDMENTS OF OTHER ENACTMENTS

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C54 The text of Schedule 9 is in the form in which it was originallty enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and, except as specified, does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991

The Friendly Societies Act 1896 (c. 25) U.K.

F269 1 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F269 Para. 1 repealed (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(1), 302, Sch.1.

The Industrial Assurance Act 1923 (c. 8) U.K.

F270 2 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F270 Sch. 9 para. 2 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6 appendix.

3 U.K. In section 8 of the said Act—

(a) in subsection (2)(b), for the words “except where section 10(2) of the Friendly Societies Act 1971 applies”there shall be substituted the words “ subject to subsection (4) of this section ”; and

(b) at the end thereof there shall be added the following subsection:—

“(4) Nothing in paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section shall require the inclusion in the rules of a collecting society of tables relating to policies issued in pursuance of approved group insurance business, within the meaning of section 65 of the Friendly Societies Act 1974, conducted by the society.”.

4 U.K. In section 20(1)(b) of the said Act, after the word “conferred”there shall be inserted the words “ on collecting societies by paragraph 2(d) of Schedule I to the Friendly Societies Act 1974 and on industrial assurance companies ”.

F271 5 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F271 Sch. 9 para. 5 repealed (13.9.1993) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 3appendix.

The Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948 (c. 39) U.K.

F272 6 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F272 Sch. 9 para. 6 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

7 U.K. In section 2(5) of the said Act, after the words “1929”there shall be inserted the words “ or by any registered friendly society in exercise of any power conferred by Paragraph (2)(d) of Schedule I to the Friendly Societies Act 1974 or Paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to that Act ”.

F273 8 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F273 Sch. 9 para. 8 repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

9 U.K. In section 10 of the said Act, in subsection (1) as originally enacted, for the words “one shilling”there shall be substituted the words “ ten pence ”.

10 F274 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

(2) In section 11 (2) of the said Act, after the words “this Act”there shall be inserted the words “ and of the said Act of 1974 ”.

Textual Amendments

F274 Sch. 9 para. 10(1) repealed (1.1.1994) by Friendly Societies Act 1992 (c. 40), s. 120(2), Sch. 22 Pt.I (with ss. 7(5) and 93(4)); S.I. 1993/2213, art. 2, Sch. 6appendix.

11 U.K. In section 12(2) of the said Act, the words “A collecting society and”shall be omitted and at the end of the subsection there shall be inserted the words “ and a collecting society shall cause to be set out, in every premium receipt book provided by them after the coming into operation of the Friendly Societies Act 1974 for use in respect of policies of industrial assurance the matters specified in that Schedule relating to the provisions mentioned in that Schedule of the Act of 1923, of this Act, of the said Act of 1974 and of regulations made for the purposes of the said section 8 ”.

F275 12 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F275 Para. 12 repealed (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(1), 302, Sch.1.

13 U.K. In section 23(1)(a) of the said Act, for the words “section eight of the Act of 1896”there shall be substituted the words “ Schedule I to the Friendly Societies Act 1974 ”, and after the words “that Act”there shall be inserted the words “ or the Friendly Societies Act 1896 ”.

14 U.K. In Schedule I to the said Act—

(a) in paragraph 3, for the words “such society or company”and the words in sub-paragraph (b) “society or company”there shall be substituted the words “ company or by a registered friendly society ”;

(b) for paragraph 4 there shall be substituted the following paragraph—

“4 The provisions of paragraphs 4, 5, 8, 9 and I0 of Schedule 5 to the Friendly Societies Act 1974 shall apply in relation to certificates of death for the purposes of this Schedule and the issue of duplicates thereof”

and

(c) in paragraph 6 for the words “as mentioned in the last preceding paragraph, the society or company”there shall be substituted the words “ in accordance with regulations under paragraph 5 of Schedule 5 to the Friendly Societies Act 1974, the company ”.

15 U.K. In Schedule 3 to the said Act—

(a) in paragraph (b), after the words “section 2”there shall be inserted the words “ (in the case of industrial assurance companies only) ”;

(b) in paragraph (c), at the beginning there shall be inserted the words “ In the case of industrial assurance companies only ”, and at the end there shall be inserted the following paragraph—

“(d) In the case of collecting societies only, as to the following provisions of the Friendly Societies Act 1974, a statement which in the opinion of the Commissioner sufficiently sets forth the effect thereof—

Section 71(1) to (4) and Schedule 6 paragraph 3	Payments on deaths of children under 10 years of age.
Sections 72 and 73(2	Insurances on life of parent or grandparent; limit on amount and prohibition of assignment or charge.
Schedule 5	Death certificates in connection with payments referred to in section 72 of that Act.”

The Friendly Societies Act 1955 (4 & 5 Eliz. 2. c. 19) U.K.

16 U.K. In section 9 of the Friendly Societies Act 1955, in subsections (1) and (2) as originally enacted, and in the provision substituted for the said subsection (2) by paragraph 17 of Schedule 27 to the M15 Social Security Act 1973, for the words “friendly society”and “society”in each place where they occur, there shall be substituted the words, “ trade union ”, and subsection (3) shall be omitted.

Marginal Citations

M15 1973 c. 38.

17 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F276

Textual Amendments

F276 Sch. 9 para. 17 repealed by Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 36, SIF 85), s. 127(2), Sch. 5

The Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (c. 12) U.K.

18 U.K. In section II of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965—

(a) in subsection (1), for the words “section 8(1) of the Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1940”there shall be substituted the words “ section 47(1) of the Friendly Societies Act 1974 ”;

(b) in subsection (2), for the words “said Act of 1940”there shall be substituted the words “ Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1940 ”.

The Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965 (c. 32) U.K.

19 U.K. In section 5(1) of the Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965, after the words “of this Act”there shall be inserted the words “ or to section 66(1) and (2), 67 or 68 of the Friendly Societies Act 1974 ”.

20 U.K. In section 6 of the said Act of 1965—

(a) in subsection (1) in paragraph (b) the word “and”where first occurring, shall be omitted, after the words “Parliamentary and other Pensions Act 1972”there shall be inserted the words “ and section 68 of the Friendly Societies Act 1974 ”and after paragraph (d) there shall be inserted the words ; “and

(e) sections 66 and 67 of the said Act of 1974 (which contain provisions similar to the enactments to which section 2 of this Act relates but subject to a limit of £500)”;

(b) in subsection (2), at the end thereof there shall be inserted the words “ and that any such order made by virtue of subsection (1)(e) of this section shall apply in relation to any nomination delivered at or sent to the appropriate office, or made in the appropriate book, after the expiration of a period of one month beginning with the date on which the order comes into force ”.

The Public Expenditure and Receipts Act 1968 (c. 14) U.K.

21 U.K. In Schedule 3 to the Public Expenditure and Receipts Act 1968, in column 1, in paragraph I(b) for the words “The Friendly Societies Act 1896 (c.25) section 97”there shall be substituted the words “ The Friendly Societies Act 1974 (c. 46) section 106 and Schedule 5, paragraph 8 ”and the words “The Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948 (c. 39) Schedule 1, paragraph 7” shall he omitted.

The Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968 (c. 55) U.K.

[F277 22 In section 17(2) of the Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968, for the words from “an actuary”to the end of the subsection there shall be substituted the words “a qualified actuary within the meaning of the Friendly Societies Act 1974.”.]

Textual Amendments

F277 Sch. 9 para. 22 repealed (17.8.2001 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 50, Sch. 4 (with art. 13(3), Sch. 5); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

23 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F278

Textual Amendments

F278 Sch. 9 para. 23 repealed by Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c. 1, SIF 63:1), s. 844(4),Sch. 31

Section 116(2).

SCHEDULE 10 U.K. Transitory Provisions and Savings

1 U.K. In so far as any regulation, order, application, nomination or reference made, registration effected, acknowledgement issued, notice, report or other document given or sent or other thing done, under or by virtue of an enactment repealed by this Act could have been made, effected, issued, given, sent or done under or by virtue of the corresponding provision of this Act, it shall not be invalidated by the repeal effected by section 116(4) of this Act but shall have effect as if made, effected, issued, given, sent or done under or by virtue of that corresponding provision.

2 U.K. Without prejudice to section 116(1) of, and Schedule 9 to, this Act, where any enactment or document refers, either expressly or by implication, to an enactment repealed by this Act, the reference shall, except where the context otherwise requires, be construed as, or as including, a reference to the corresponding provision of this Act.

3 U.K. Where a period of time specified in an enactment repealed by this Act is current at the commencement of this Act, this Act shall have effect as if the corresponding provision thereof had been in force when that period began to run.

4 U.K. A conviction of an offence under an enactment repealed by this Act shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as a conviction of an offence under the corresponding provision of this Act.

5 U.K. If the rules of a registered society in force at the commencement of this Act were in force on 1st January 1909 and provide for the admission as members of persons from the minimum age authorised by the M16 Friendly Societies Act 1896, the rules shall be construed as providing for the admission as members of persons from birth.

Marginal Citations

M16 1896 c. 25.

6 (1) Any endowment policy issued before 1st January 1924 which would have been in force on that date if the M17 Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1929 had been in operation on and from the date on which the policy was issued shall be deemed for the purposes of section 75 of this Act to have been in force on 1st January 1924 and, in the case of a policy of the description mentioned in paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to this Act, to have been issued in accordance with section 1 of the said Act of 1929, and as respects any endowment policy in force on, or issued since, 1st January 1924 and before 10th May 1929, the said Act of 1929 shall be deemed to have been in operation on and from the date on which the policy was issued. U.K.

In this sub-paragraph “endowment policy” and “policy” have the same meanings respectively as in section 75 of this Act.

(2) This paragraph in its application to collecting societies shall be construed as one with the Industrial Assurance Acts 1923 to 1968.

Marginal Citations

M17 1929 c. 28.

7 U.K. If, immediately before the passing of this Act—

(a) the M18 Friendly Societies Act 1896 applied to any society or branch by virtue only of subsection (1) of section 101 of that Act, or

(b) any provision of the rules of a friendly society or branch was valid by virtue only of subsection (2) of that section,

then, on and after the commencement of this Act, this Act shall apply to that society or branch or, as the case may require, that provision of the rules of the friendly society or branch shall continue to be valid, notwithstanding any provision of this Act to the contrary.

Marginal Citations

M18 1896 c. 25.

8 U.K. The repeal by this Act of section 2(1) of the M19 Friendly Societies Act 1896 shall not affect the construction of any reference in any enactment passed before that Act to the barrister appointed to certify the rules of savings banks.

Marginal Citations

M19 1896 c. 25.

9 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F279

Textual Amendments

F279 Sch. 10 para. 9 repealed by Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53, SIF 16), s. 120(2)(3), Sch. 19 Pt. I

10 U.K. The repeal by this Act of sections 103 and 104 of the M20 Friendly Societies Act 1896 shall not extend to those sections as they apply by virtue of section 45(3) of the M21 Industrial Assurance Act 1923 or section 108 of the M22 Companies Act 1967.

Marginal Citations

M20 1896 c. 25.

M21 1923 c. 8.

M22 1967 c. 81.

11 U.K. Until such time as a form for the purposes is prescribed by regulations under section 109 of this Act, for the purpose of each of the acknowledgements specified in Parts I and II of Schedule 2 to the M23 Friendly Societies Act 1896 the appropriate form set out in those Parts of that Schedule shall be used.

Marginal Citations

M23 1896 c. 25.

12 U.K. Nothing in section 66 or section 67 of this Act shall affect the total amount payable by a registered society or branch in pursuance of a nomination which was before 5th September 1965 delivered at or sent to the registered office of the society or branch or made on a book kept at that office, and in the case of any such nomination, the said amount shall continue to be limited to £100, or, where section 5(1) of the M24 Friendly Societies Act 1955 applied in relation to the nomination, £200.

Marginal Citations

M24 1955 c. 19 (4 & 5 Eliz. 2).

13 U.K. Nothing in this Act shall prejudice any insurance effected before the passing of this Act in exercise of the powers conferred on registered friendly societies and branches, before the coming into force of section 1 of the M25 Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948, by section 8(1)(b) of the M26 Friendly Societies Act 1896 or section 1 of the M27 Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1929.

Marginal Citations

M25 1948 c. 39.

M26 1896 c. 25.

M27 1929 c. 28.

14 U.K. Nothing in this Act shall affect the continued operation, in relation to registered societies and branches, of the following provisions (which relate to the making, within limited periods, of amendments in the rules of registered societies and branches consequential on the provisions of certain enactments) namely—

(a) section 15(2) of the M28 Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948; and

(b) section 12 of M29 the Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968.

Marginal Citations

M28 1948 c. 39.

M29 1968 c. 55.

Section 116(4).

SCHEDULE 11 U.K. ENACTMENTS REPEALED

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C55 The text of Schedule 11 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991

Chapter	Short Title	Extent of Repeal
59 & 60 Vict c. 25.	The Friendly Societies Act 1896.	The whole Act except section 22 and except sections 62 and 64 to 67 as they apply to industrial assurance companies.
		In section 22, subsection (1) and in subsection (3) the words “society or”.
61 & 62 Vict. c. 15.	The Societies’ Borrowing Powers Act 1898.	The whole Act.
8 Edw. 7. c. 32.	The Friendly Societies Act 1908.	The whole Act.
5 & 6 Geo. 5. c. 93.	The War Loan (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1915.	In section 8, in subsection (1) the words “of any registered friendly society or any branch thereof, or”and the words “society”and “or branch”in each place where they subsequently occur; in subsections (2) and (3) the words “society”and “or branch”.
13 & 14 Geo. 5. c. 8.	The Industrial Assurance Act 1923.	In section 4(2), the words “A collecting society or”.
		In section 36, in subsection (2) the words from “and section seventy-one”to the end of the subsection.
14 & 15 Geo. 5. c. 11.	The Friendly Societies Act 1924.	The whole Act.
19 & 20 Geo. 5. c. 28.	The Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1929	In section 1, in subsection (1) the words “registered friendly societies and”, the words “member or”and the words “society or”in subsection (2), the words “a collecting society or”and the words “society or”, and subsection (3).
		In section 3, in subsection 1, the words from “and if any”to the end, in subsection (3), the words “a collecting society or”and the words from “and no”to the end, and subsection (4).
		In section 5, in subsection (1), the words from “and this Act”, where last occurring, to the end and in subsection (3) the words “to the Friendly Societies Act 1896 and”, the words “collecting societies and”and the words from “and in its”to the end.
3 & 4 Geo. 6. c. 19.	The Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1940.	Sections 8 to 10 and 12.
11 & 12 Geo. 6. c. 39.	The Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act 1948.	In section 1, the words “the Friendly Societies Act 1896,”the words “ the Act of 1896”and paragraph (a).
		In section 2, in subsection (1), the words “registered friendly societies and”, the words “to the member (in the case of such a society) or”and the words “(in the case of such a company)” ; and in subsection (2) the words “society or”
		Section 3.
		In section 4, the words “1896”
		In section 6, in subsection (1) the words “A society (whether registered or unregistered)”and in subsection (2), the words “both as it applies to societies and”.
		Section 15.
		In section 16, subsection (1), in subsection (2), the proviso, in subsection (4) the words “Any society not being a registered society and”and subsection (5).
		Section17.
		Section 18(1).
		Section 19.
		In section 25, in subsection (2), the words from “and this Act”to the end, and in subsection (4) the words from “and in its application”to the end.
		In Schedule 1, in paragraph I the words “registered friendly society or”; in paragraph 2 the words “society or”in each place where they occur; in paragraph 3 the words “society or”in the first two places where they occur and in the last place where they occur before sub-paragraph (a); paragraph 5; in paragraph 6 the words “society or”in the first place where they occur; paragraphs 7 to 9.
		In Schedule 2, the entries relating to the Friendly Societies Act 1896.
		Schedule 4.
4 & 5 Eliz. 2. c. 19.	The Friendly Societies Act 1955.	Sections 1 and 2.
		In section 3, subsections (1) , (4) and (5).
		Section 4.
		In section 5, in subsection (1) , paragraph (a), and subsection (2).
		Section 8.
		In section 9, subsection (3).
		Section 10.
		In section 11, subsection (2) and in subsection (3), paragraph (a).
4 & 5 Eliz. 2. c. 54.	The Finance Act 1956.	In section 26(2), the words “registered friendly society or”and the words “society or”.
6 & 7 Eliz. 2. c. 27.	The Industrial Assurance and Friendly Societies Act, 1948 (Amendment) Act 1958.	In section 1, in subsection (1), the words “registered friendly society or”.
		In section 3, in subsection (2), the words from “and this Act”to the end and in subsection (3) the words from “and, in its”to the end.
1965 c. 32.	The Administration of Estates (Small Payments) Act 1965.	In Schedule 1, in Part 1, the entry relating to the Friendly Societies Act 1896.
		In Schedule 2, and in Schedule 3, the entry relating to the Friendly Societies Act 1896.
1966 c. 18.	The Finance Act 1966.	Section 29(4) and (9).
		In Schedule 8, Part II.
1967 c. 80.	The Criminal Justice Act 1967.	In Schedule 3, in Part I, the entry relating to section 89 of the Friendly Societies Act 1896.
1968 c. 14.	The Public Expenditure and Receipts Act 1968.	In Schedule 3, in paragraph I(b), the words from “The Industrial”to “paragraph 7”.
1968 c. 55.	The Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1968.	In section 3, in subsection (4), the words from “(a) in”to “other society”, subsection (6) and in subsection (9) the words “under the Act of 1896 or”, the words “(as the case may be)”and the words “under either of those Acts”.
		In section 4, in subsection (2), the words “(not being a collecting society)”; subsection (3); in subsection (4), the words “or (3)”; in subsection (7)(b), the words from “of section 27”to “may be”; and in subsection (8)(a), the words from “or for”to “section”and the words “or percentage”.
		In section 7(2)(a) the words “under section 30 of the Act of 1896 or”.
		In section 9, subsection (8).
		In section 4, in subsection (2), the words “(not being a collecting society)”; subsection (3); in subsection (4), the words “or (3)”; in subsection (7)(b), the words from “of section 27”to “may be”; and in subsection (8)(a), the words from “or for”to “section”and the words “or percentage”.
		In section 7(2)(a) the words “under section 30 of the Act of 1896 or”.
		In section 9, subsection (8).
		In section 11, in subsection (1), the words from “to the registrar”to “1896 or”, the words “(as the case may be)”, paragraph (a) and the words from “and in section 27(2)(b)”to the end; in subsection (2) the words “either of”; in subsection (3) the words “under section 98(3) of the Act of 1896 or”and the words “(as the case may be)”; subsection (4); in subsection (5), the words “section 39(a) of the Act of 1896 or”, the words “(as the case may be) and”, paragraph (b) and the words from “or on that”to the end; and subsections (6) to (8).
		In section 12, in subsection (2)(b) the words “under section 13 of the Act of 1896 or”; and in subsection (3) the words in “section 13 of the Act of 1896 or”the words from “after the end”to “the registrar or”and the words “(as the case may be”.
		Section 16.
		In section 17, in subsection (1), the words “in paragraph 2 of Schedule I to the Act of 1896 or”, the words from “obligations to provide”to “been undertaken or”and the words from “no further obligations”to “may be)”, in subsection (2), the words from “by virtue”to “1896 or”and subsection (4).
		In section 20(1), the words from “and (b)”to the end.
		In section 21, in subsection (1), in the definition of “annual return”the words from “in relation to”, where those words first occur, to “that Act, and”, in the definition of “Scottish society”, the words from “either”to “1896 or”and the words “(as the case may be)”, in the definition of “society”the words from “either”to “1896 or”and in the words first occur, to “that Act, and”, in the definition of “Scottish society”, the words from “either”to “1896 or” and the words “(as the case may be)”, in the definition of “society”the words from “either”to “1896 or”and in the definition of “year of account”paragraph (a); in subsection (2), paragraph (a) and the words “to an offence falling within section 89 of the Act of 1896 or”and the words “(as the case may require)”.
		In section 23, in subsection (2), the words from “this Act and”in the second place where they occur to the words “1896 to 1968”; and in subsection (4), paragraph (b).
		In Schedule 1, paragraphs 1 to 8.
		Schedule 2.
		In Schedule 3, in paragraph 2, sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), and paragraphs 5 and 6.
1969 c. 19.	The Decimal Currency Act 1969.	In section 7, subsections (1), (3) and (4).
1969 c. 39.	The Age of Majority (Scotland) Act 1969.	In Schedule I the entry relating to section 36 of the Friendly Societies Act 1896.
1969 c. 46.	The Family Law Reform Act 1969.	In Schedule 1 the entry relating to section 36 of the Friendly Societies Act 1896.
1970 c. 10.	The Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1970.	In Schedule 15, paragraph 3(2) and (3).
1971 c. 23.	The Courts Act 1971.	In Schedule 9, in Part I, the entry relating to the Friendly Societies Act 1896.
1971 c. 66.	The Friendly Societies Act 1971.	The whole Act except subsections (5) and (6) of section 11 and subsections (4) and (5) of section 15.