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SCHEDULES

Sections 5, 93, 94 and 97.

SCHEDULE 2U.K. Establishment, Incorporation and Constitution of Building Societies

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Sch. 2 modified (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 17(3), 82(2)

Part IU.K. General

Requirements for establishmentU.K.

1(1)Any ten or more persons may establish a society under this Act by taking the following steps—

(a)agreeing upon the purpose or principal purpose of the society and upon the extent of its powers in a memorandum the provisions of which comply with the requirements of this Part of this Schedule;

(b)agreeing upon rules for the regulation of the society which comply with the requirements of this Part of this Schedule;

(c)sending to the central office four copies of the memorandum and the rules, each copy signed by at least ten of those persons (or, if there are only ten, by all of them) and by the intended secretary.

(2)Where copies of the memorandum and rules are sent to the central office in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(c) above, the central office, if satisfied that—

(a)the provisions of the memorandum are in conformity with this Act and any instruments under it,

(b)the rules are in conformity with this Act,

(c)the intended name of the society is not, in its opinion, undesirable,

shall register the society and issue it with a certificate of incorporation.

(3)On registering a building society under sub-paragraph (2) above, the central office shall—

(a)retain and register one copy of the memorandum and of the rules,

(b)return another copy to the secretary of the society, together with a certificate of registration, and

(c)keep another copy, together with a copy of the certificate of incorporation, and of the certificate of registration of the memorandum and the rules, in the public file of the society.

[F1(4)In this Act “memorandum”, in relation to a building society, means the memorandum of the purpose and the extent of the powers of the society including the record of any alteration under paragraph 4 below.]

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(4) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(2); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiii)

The memorandumU.K.

2[F2(1)The memorandum of a building society shall state the purpose or principal purpose of the society to be that of making loans which are secured on residential property and are funded substantially by its members.

(2)The memorandum of a building society shall specify—

(a)the name of the society and the address of its principal office;

(b)any purposes of the society other than that mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above; and

(c)the powers of the society.]

(4)The provisions of the memorandum of a building society, as read with the provisions of ths Act as in force for the time being, are binding upon—

(a)each of the members and officers of the society; and

(b)all persons claiming on account of a member or under the rules;

and all such members, officers and persons so claiming and all persons dealing with the society shall be taken to have notice of those provisions.

[F3(5)Where any adoptable power conferred by virtue of an instrument under a provision of this Act ceases, by reason of the amendment or revocation of the instrument, to be available to building societies or building societies of any description, every society affected by the amendment or revocation shall annex to its memorandum a note of the fact that, as from the operative date of the instrument, it no longer has that power and shall send a copy of the note to the central office which shall keep the copy in the public file of the society.]

Textual Amendments

F2Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(1)(2) substituted for Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(1)-(3) (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise ) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(3); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiii)

F3Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(5) repealed (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 46(3), 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(4), Sch. 9; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(y)(z)(xxxiii)(cc)(xviii)

The rulesU.K.

3(1)The rules of a building society shall provide for the matters specified in the Table in sub-paragraph (4) below.

(2)The rules of a building society are binding upon each of the members and officers of the society and on all persons claiming on account of a member or under the rules; and all such members, officers and persons (but no others) shall be taken to have notice of the rules.

(3)Nothing in this paragraph shall be taken to authorise any provision to be made which is inconsistent with this Act or an instrument made under it by the Commission or the Treasury or to affect the operation of any provision of this Act making rules void to any specified extent.

(4)The Table referred to in sub-paragraph (1) above is as follows:—

TABLE OF MATTERS TO BE COVERED BY THE RULES

1. The name of the society and the address of its principal Office.

2. The manner in which the [F4funds of the society are] to be raised.

3. The manner in which the terms are to be determined on which shares are to be issued and the manner in which shareholders are to be informed of changes in the terms on which their shares are held.

4. Whether any preferential or deferred shares are to be issued and, if so, within what limits.

5. The manner in which [F5loans] are to be made and repaid, and the conditions on which a borrower may redeem the amount due from him before the end of the period for which the [loan] was made.

6. The manner in which losses are to be ascertained and provided for.

7. The manner in which membership is to cease.

8. The manner of remunerating the auditors.

9. As respects directors— (a) the manner of electing them and whether they may be co-opted; (b) any conditions which must be satisfied with respect to the holding of shares in the society if a person is to become, or is to remain, a director; (c) the manner of remunerating and, where it is not to be fixed by resolution at the annual general meeting, the maximum amount of the remuneration to be paid to, directors; and (d) the circumstances in which pensions may be awarded to persons by virtue of their office as director and the method of determining the terms of such pensions.

10. The powers and duties of the board of directors.

11. The custody of the mortgage deeds and other securities belonging to the society.

12. The form, custody and use of the society’s common seal.

13. The calling and holding of meetings and, in particular— (a) the right of members to requisition meetings; (b) the right of members to move resolutions at meetings; (c) the manner in which notice of any resolutions to be moved at meetings is to be given to members; (d) the procedure to be observed at meetings; (e) the form of notice for the convening of a meeting and the manner of its service; (f) the voting rights of members, the right to demand a poll and the manner in which a poll is to be taken.

14. The entitlement of members to participate in the distribution of any surplus assets after payments to creditors, on the winding up, or dissolution by consent, of the society.

Textual Amendments

F4Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 3(4) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(5)(a); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiii)

F5Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 3(4) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(5)(b); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiii)

Requirements for alteration of purpose, powers and rulesU.K.

4[F6(1)A building society may by special resolution alter its purposes, alter its powers or alter its rules.]

(2)Where a building society alters its purpose or powers or its rules under this paragraph, it shall send to the central office—

(a)three copies of a record of the alteration signed by the secretary; and

(b)a statutory declaration by the secretary that the alteration was effected by a resolution passed as a special resolution and that the record is a true record of the resolution.

(3)On altering its purpose or powers or its rules under this paragraph the building society shall determine the date on which it intends the alteration to take effect; and the record of the alteration shall specify that date (in this paragraph referred to as “the specified date”).

(4)Where copies of a record of an alteration of a building society’s purpose, powers or rules are sent to the central office under sub-paragraph (2) above and the central office is satisfied that the alteration is in conformity with this Act and (where applicable) any instruments under it, the central office shall, [F7subject to paragraph 19] below—

(a)retain and register one of the copies,

(b)return another to the secretary of the society together with a certificate of registration of the alteration, and

(c)keep another copy, together with a copy of the certificate of registration of the alteration, in the public file of the society.

(5)An alteration of the purpose or powers or of the rules of a building society under this paragraph shall take effect on the specified date or, if registration of the alteration is not effected under sub-paragraph (4) above until a later date, that later date.

(6)Any provision in the rules of a building society that the memorandum or rules may be altered without passing a special resolution shall be void.

(7)If a building society arranges for the publication in consolidated form of its rules or memorandum as altered for the time being, it shall send a copy to the central office and the central office—

(a)shall keep the copy in the public file of the society, but

(b)shall not register the copy.

(8)If a building society fails to comply with sub-paragraph (2) above, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

Textual Amendments

F6Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 4(1) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(6); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiii)

F7Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 4(4) repealed (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 46(3), 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(7), Sch. 9; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(y)(z)(xxxiii)(cc)(xviii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2Sch. 2 para. 4(1)(3) modified (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 17(2), 82(2)

MembershipU.K.

5[F8(1)The rules of a building society shall provide that no person shall be a member of the society unless he is a shareholding member or a borrowing member or both.U.K.

(2)In this Act, in relation to a building society—

(2A)If the rules of a building society so provide, an individual shall cease to be a borrowing member at any time if at that time the society—

(a)takes possession of, or exercises its power of sale in relation to, the whole or any part of the land on which the loan is secured; or

(b)obtains an order for foreclosure absolute or, in Scotland, foreclosure in respect of the whole or any part of that land.

(2B)Unless the rules of a building society so provide, an individual shall not be a borrowing member at any time if at that time the loan is owed to the society in equity rather than at law.]

(3)A person who is a minor—

(a)may, if the rules do not otherwise provide, be admitted as a member of a building society and give all necessary receipts; but

(b)may not [F9propose a resolution,]vote or hold any office in the society; and

(c)may not [F10join in requisitioning a special meeting or]nominate, or join in nominating, a person for election as a director of the society.

Textual Amendments

F8Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 5(1)-(2B) substituted for Sch. 2 para. 5(1)(2) (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 2(1), 47(3) (with s. 46(1), Sch. 8 paras. 4, 5); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(b)(aa)(i)(ii)

F9Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 5(3)(b) inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 2(2)(a), 47(3) (with s. 46(1), Sch. 8 paras. 4, 5); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(b)(aa)(i)(ii)

F10Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 5(3)(c) inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 2(2)(b), 47(3) (with s. 46(1), Sch. 8 paras. 4, 5); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(b)(aa)(i)(ii)

Liability of membersU.K.

[F116(1)The liability at any time of a shareholding member of a building society shall be limited to the amount which, at that time, has been actually paid, or is in arrear, on his shares in the society.U.K.

(2)The liability at any time of a borrowing member of a building society shall be limited to the amount which, at that time, is payable under the mortgage or other security by which his indebtedness to the society in respect of the loan is secured.]

Textual Amendments

F11Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 6 substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 2(3), 47(3) (with s. 46(1), Sch. 8 paras. 4, 5); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(b)(aa)(i)(ii)

Joint shareholdersU.K.

7(1)Two or more persons may jointly hold shares in a building society and the following provisions of this paragraph shall apply to any shares so held.U.K.

(2)In this paragraph, in relation to any shares jointly held, “representative joint holder” means that one of the joint holders who is named first in the records of the society.

(3)Except where the rules of the society otherwise provide, any notice or other document may be given or sent by the society to the joint holders by being given or sent to the representative joint holder; but this sub-paragraph shall not prevent any of the joint holders from exercising the rights under this Act of a member of a building society to obtain from the society on demand a copy of the summary financial statement, the annual accounts and the annual business statement.

(4)For the purpose of determining—

(a)who is entitled to vote in an election of directors of the society;

(b)who is qualified to vote on a resolution of the society, and

(c)where it is relevant, the number of votes a person may then give,

the shares shall be treated as held by the representative joint holder alone; and accordingly a person who is a member of the society by reason only of being a joint holder of those shares (other than the representative joint holder) shall not be entitled to vote in any such election or qualified to vote on any such resolution.

(5)For the purposes of sections 87 and 93 to 102 the shares shall be treated as held by the representative joint holder alone; and accordingly a person who is a member of the society by reason only of being a joint holder of those shares (other than the representative joint holder) shall not be regarded as a member of the society for the purposes of those sections.

[F12(5A)In its application to section 100, sub-paragraph (5) above shall have effect subject to the provisions of section 102A.]

(6)The representative joint holder (but none of the other joint holders) shall have the right to join in making an application under section 56 and any reference in that section to the total membership of a building society shall be construed accordingly.

(7)In the register to be maintained under paragraph 13 below the entry of that one of the joint holders who is the representative joint holder shall indicate that fact.

(8)The joint holders shall be entitled to choose the order in which they are named in the records of the society.

Textual Amendments

F12Sch. 2 para. 7(5A) inserted (1.5.1995 with application as mentioned in s. 2(2) of the amending Act) by 1995 c. 5, s. 1(2)

Joint borrowersU.K.

8(1)Where [F13a loan] secured on land is made by a building society to two or more persons jointly the following provisions of this paragraph shall apply to their rights as borrowing members of the society.U.K.

(2)In this paragraph, in relation to any rights of theirs as borrowing members, “representative joint borrowers” means that one of the joint borrowers who is named first in the records of the society.

(3)Except where the rules of the society otherwise provide, any notice or other document may be given or sent by the society to the joint borrowers by being given or sent to the representative joint borrowers; but this sub-paragraph shall not prevent any of the joint borrowers from exercising the rights under this Act of a borrowing member of a building society to obtain from the society on demand a copy of the summary financial statement, the annual accounts and the annual business statement.

(4)For the purpose of determining—

(a)who is entitled to vote in any election of directors of the society, and

(b)who is qualified to vote on a resolution of the society,

the rights of the joint borrowers as borrowing members of the society shall be treated as the rights of the representative joint borrower alone; and accordingly a person who is a member of the society by reason only of being a joint borrower (other than the representative joint borrower) shall not be entitled to vote in any such election or qualified to vote on any such resolution.

(5)For the purposes of sections 87 and 93 to 102 the rights of the joint borrowers as borrowing members of the society shall be treated as the rights of the representative joint borrower alone; and accordingly a person who is a member of the society by reason only of being a joint borrower (other than the representative joint borrower) shall not be regarded as a borrowing member of the society for the purposes of those sections.

(6)The representative joint borrower (but none of the other joint borrowers) shall have the right to join in making an application under section 56 and any reference in that section to the total membership of a building society shall be construed accordingly.

(7)In the register to be maintained under paragraph 13 below the entry of that one of the joint borrowers who is the representative joint borrower shall indicate that fact.

(8)The joint borrowers shall be entitled to choose the order in which they are named in the records of the society.

Textual Amendments

F13Words in Sch. 2 para. 8(1) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(8); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiii)

Use and change of nameU.K.

9(1)The common seal of a building society shall bear the registered name of the society.

[F14(2)Every building society shall paint or affix, and keep painted or affixed, its registered name on the outside of every office or place in which its business is carried on, in a conspicuous position and in letters easily legible.

(2A)Every building society shall state its registered name in legible characters in all of the following documents, namely—

(a)its business letters;

(b)its account statements, including those relating to deposit, share, loan or mortgage accounts;

(c)its passbooks;

(d)its notices and publications, including all documents sent to members;

(e)its invoices and receipts;

(f)its letters of credit and any instruments creating or acknowledging its indebtedness;

(g)its contracts, agreements, mortgages and deeds; and

(h)its bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques and orders for money or goods.]

(3)A building society may change its name by special resolution.

(4)Where a society changes its name in accordance with this paragraph notice of the change of name shall be sent to the central office and, unless the central office is of the opinion that the changed name is undesirable, the central office shall register the notice of the change of name and give the society a certificate of registration.

(5)A change of name shall take effect on the date on which the certificate of registration under sub-paragraph (4) above is issued or on such later date as may be specified in the certificate.

(6)The central office shall keep a copy of the certificate of registration issued under sub-paragraph (4) above in the public file of the society.

(7)A change of name shall not affect the rights and obligations of the society or of any of its members or of any other person concerned.

[F15(8)For the purposes of this paragraph and paragraphs 10 to 10C below “registered name”, in relation to a building society, means the name of the society which is for the time being registered with the central office.]

Textual Amendments

F14Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 9(2)(2A) substituted for Sch. 2 para. 9(2) (1.12.1997) by 1997 c. 32, s. 36(1); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(h)

Offences relating to society’s nameU.K.

[F1610(1)If a building society does not—

(a)paint or affix its registered name; or

(b)keep its registered name painted or affixed,

as required by paragraph 9(2) above, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2)A building society which, without reasonable excuse, does not comply with paragraph 9(2A) above shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3)If an officer of a building society or a person on its behalf issues or authorises the issue of any document mentioned in paragraph 9(2A)(a) to (g) above, in which the society’s registered name is not stated as required by that paragraph, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(4)If an officer of a building society or a person on its behalf signs or authorises to be signed on behalf of the building society any document mentioned in paragraph 9(2A)(h) above in which the society’s registered name is not stated as required by that paragraph—

(a)he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale; and

(b)he shall be further personally liable to the holder of the bill of exchange, promissory note, cheque or order for money or goods for the amount of it (unless it is duly paid by the building society).

(5)If a building society fails to send to the central office a notice which it is required to send to it under paragraph 9(4) above, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.]

Textual Amendments

[F17Restrictions on business names]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F17Cross-heading inserted (1.12.1997) by 1997 c. 32, s. 36(4); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(h)

[F1810A(1)This paragraph and paragraph 10B below apply where a building society carries on business under a name other than the following, namely—

(a)its registered name;

(b)its registered name with the omission of the words “Building Society"; and

(c)its registered name with an addition which merely indicates that the business is carried on in succession to a former building society with which it has merged.

(2)The society shall not, without the written approval of the Commission, carry on business under a name which—

(a)would be likely to give the impression that the business is connected with Her Majesty’s Government or with any local authority, or

(b)includes any word or expression for the time being specified in regulations made under sub-paragraph (3) below.

(3)The Commission may, with the consent of the Treasury, by regulations—

(a)specify words or expressions for the use of which as or as part of a business name the approval of the Commission is required by sub-paragraph (2) above, and

(b)in relation to any such word or expression, specify a Government department or other body for the purposes of sub-paragraph (4) below.

(4)Where the society proposes to carry on business under a name which is or includes any such word or expression, and a government department or other body is specified under sub-paragraph (3)(b) above in relation to that word or expression, the society shall—

(a)request (in writing) the relevant body to indicate whether (and if so why) it has any objections to the proposal, and

(b)submit to the Commission a statement that such a request has been made and a copy of any response received from the relevant body.

(5)For the purposes of this paragraph “local authority” means—

(a)any local authority within the meaning of the M1Local Government Act 1972, the Common Council of the City of London or the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

(b)any local authority within the meaning of the M2Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;

(c)any district council within the meaning of the M3Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.]

[F19Use of business names: required disclosure]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F19Cross-heading inserted (1.12.1997) by 1997 c. 32, s. 36(4); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(h)

[F2010B(1)Paragraph 9(2A) above shall have effect as if after the words “in legible characters" there were inserted the words “which are reasonably prominent".

(2)The society shall in all documents mentioned in paragraph 9(2A) above state in legible characters an address in the United Kingdom at which service of any document relating in any way to the business will be effective.

(3)The society shall also in any premises where the business is carried on and to which the members of the society, the customers of the business or suppliers of any goods or services to the business have access, display in a prominent position so that it may easily be read by such persons a notice containing the society’s registered name and the address mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) above.

(4)The society shall secure that the registered name and the address mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) above is immediately given, by written notice, to any person with whom anything is done or discussed in the course of the business and who asks for the registered name or the address.

(5)The Commission may, with the consent of the Treasury, by regulations require a notice under sub-paragraph (3) or (4) above to be displayed or given in a specified form.]

[F21Use of business names: supplementary]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F21Cross-heading inserted (1.12.1997) by 1997 c. 32, s. 36(4); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. I(h)

[F2210C(1)A building society which contravenes paragraph 10A(2) above shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2)A building society which, without reasonable excuse, does not comply with paragraph 9(2A) or 10B(2), (3) or (4) above, or any regulations made under paragraph 10B(5) above, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3)Where paragraph 10A above applies any legal proceedings brought by the society to enforce a right arising out of a contract made in the course of the business in respect of which the society was, at the time the contract was made, in breach of paragraph 9(2A) or 10B(2), (3) or (4) above shall be dismissed if the defendant (or, in Scotland, the defender) to the proceedings shows—

(a)that he has a claim against the plaintiff (pursuer) arising out of that contract which he has been unable to pursue by reason of the plaintiff’s (pursuer’s) breach of paragraph 9(2A) or 10B(2), (3) or (4) above, or

(b)that he has suffered some financial loss in connection with the contract by reason of the latter’s breach of paragraph 9(2A) or 10B(2), (3) or (4) above,

unless the court before which the proceedings are brought is satisfied that it is just and equitable to let the proceedings continue.

(4)Sub-paragraph (3) above is without prejudice to the right of any person to enforce such rights as he may have against another person in any proceedings brought by that person.

(5)Regulations made under paragraph 10A(3) or 10B(5) above shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment by resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6)Such regulations may contain such transitional provisions and savings as the Commission thinks fit, and may make different provision for different cases or classes of case.]

Change of principal officeU.K.

11(1)A building society may change its pricipal office—

(a)in such manner as its rules direct, or

(b)if there is no such direction in the rules, [F23by an ordinary resolution].

(2)Notice of any such change and of the date of it shall, within seven days after the change, be sent to the central office and the central office shall keep the notice in the public file of the society.

(3)It is not necessary to alter the memorandum or rules of a building society by reason only that its principal office is changed.

(4)If a building society fails to send to the central office a notice which it is required to send to it under sub-paragraph (2) above, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

Textual Amendments

Societies to supply copies of rules etc.U.K.

12(1)A building society shall, on demand, give a copy of its statutory documents—

(a)free of charge, to any member of the society to whom a copy of those documents has not previously been given, and

(b)to any other person, upon payment of such fee as the society may require, not exceeding the prescribed amount.

(2)The reference in sub-paragraph (1) above to a copy of a building society’s statutory documents is a reference to—

(a)a printed copy of the society’s rules for the time being, with a copy of the certificate of incorporation of the society annexed to it, and

(b)a printed copy of the memorandum of the society for the time being.

(3)If a building society fails to comply with the requirements of sub-paragraph (1) above, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

(4)In sub-paragraph (1) above the “prescribed amount” means £1 or such other amount as the Commission prescribes by order made by statutory instrument.

Register of membersU.K.

13[F24(1)Every building society shall maintain a register of members showing—U.K.

(a)the name and address of each member; and

(b)whether each member is a shareholding member or a borrowing member or both.]

(2)The register shall be kept at the principal office or at such other place or places as the directors think fit.

(3)If a building society contravenes sub-paragraph (1) above, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

(4)For the purposes of this Act “registered address” in relation to a member of a building society, means—

(a)the address shown in the register maintained under this paragraph, except in a case where paragraph (b) below applies;

(b)where the member has requested that communications from the society be sent to some other address, that other address.

Textual Amendments

F24Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 13(1) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 56(10); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiii)

Exception to duties to send documentsU.K.

14(1)A building society is not obliged by any provision of this Act or its rules to send a notice or other document to a member in whose case the society has reason to believe that communications sent to him at his registered address are unlikely to be received by him.U.K.

(2)Where the requirement relates to notice of a meeting or postal ballot of the society, the society must, instead, comply with the advertising requirements of paragraph 35 below.

Right of members to obtain particulars from the registerU.K.

15[F25(1)At any time when a building society—

(a)has had its authorisation revoked under section 43; and

(b)has not been re-authorised under section 44,

a member of the society shall, subject to sub-paragraph (1A) below, have the right to obtain, from the register kept under paragraph 13 above, the names and addresses of members of the society, for the purpose of communicating with them on a subject relating to the affairs of the society.

(1A)Sub-paragraph (1) above shall not apply unless the member in question—

(a)is qualified under the rules of the society to join in a members’ requisition for a special meeting, or to join in nominating a person for election as a director; or

(b)would be so qualified if any requirements as to length of time a person must have been a shareholding or borrowing member were omitted.

(2)If, at any time not falling within sub-paragraph (1) above, a member of a building society who is qualified under the rules of the society to join in a members’ requisition for a special meeting, or to join in nominating a person for election as a director, makes a written application to the Commission for the right to obtain names and addresses from the register, the Commission—

(a)if satisfied that the applicant—

(i)requires that right for the purpose of communicating with members of the society on a subject relating to its affairs; and

(ii)has not, since making the application, voluntarily ceased to be a member of the society; and

(b)having regard to the interests of the members as a whole and to all the other circumstances; and

(c)on payment by the applicant of a fee of £25 or such other amount as may be prescribed,

may direct that the applicant shall have the right to obtain from the register the names and addresses of the members for the purpose of communicating with them on that subject.]

(3)Any direction under sub-paragraph (2) above may be given subject to such limitations or conditions as the Commission may think fit.

(4)Before giving a direction under sub-paragraph (2) above, the Commission shall give particulars of the application to the building society and shall afford the society an opportunity of making representations with respect to the application; and the Commission shall, if the applicant or the society so requests, afford to the applicant and to the society an opportunity of being heard by it.

(5)A member entitled under this paragraph to obtain the names of members of a building society may apply in writing to the society, describing in the application the subject on which he proposes to communicate with other members of the society; and the society shall give him all necessary information as to the place or places where the register, or part of it, is kept, and reasonable facilities for inspecting the register and taking a copy of any names and addresses in the register.

(6)A building society shall not be obliged to disclose to a member making an application under this paragraph any particulars contained in the register other than the names of the members and their addresses, and may construct the register in such a way that it is possible to disclose the names and addresses to inspection without disclosing any such other particulars.

[F26(7)No information obtained under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) above or this sub-paragraph and relating to a member of the society may be disclosed except—

(a)with the consent of that member; or

(b)in the case of information obtained under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) above, for purposes connected with the purpose mentioned in that paragraph.

(8)Any person who discloses information in contravention of sub-paragraph (7) above shall be liable—

(a)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or both; and

(b)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.

(9)The Treasury may, by regulations, prescribe the amount of any fees payable under sub-paragraph (2) above; and regulations under this sub-paragraph may include—

(a)provision for any fees so payable to be reduced or for payment of any fees to be waived by the Commission in circumstances determined by or under the regulations; and

(b)such incidental, supplementary and transitional provision as appears to the Treasury to be necessary or expedient.

(10)The power to make regulations under sub-paragraph (9) above is exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(11)The amounts received by the Commission under sub-paragraph (2) above shall be applied as an appropriation in aid of money provided by Parliament for the expenses of the Commission under this Act, and in so far as not so applied, shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.]

Textual Amendments

F25Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 15(1)(1A)(2) substituted for Sch. 2 para. 15(1)(2) (9.6.1997) by 1997 c. 32, s. 37(1); S.I. 1997/1427, art. 2(i)

[F27Part IIU.K. Capacity of society and power of directors to bind it]

Textual Amendments

F27Sch. 2 Pt. II substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 3(2), 47(3), Sch. 1; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(c)

[F28 Capacity of society not limited by its memorandum]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F28Sch. 2 Pt. II substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 3(2), 47(3), Sch. 1; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(c)

[F2916(1)The validity of an act done by a building society shall not be called into question on the ground of lack of capacity by reason of anything included in the society’s memorandum.U.K.

(2)A member of a building society may bring proceedings to restrain the doing of an act which but for sub-paragraph (1) above would be beyond the society’s capacity; but no such proceedings shall lie in respect of an act to be done in fulfilment of a legal obligation arising from a previous act of the society.

(3)It remains the duty of the directors of a building society to observe any limitations on their powers flowing from the society’s memorandum; and action by the directors which but for sub-paragraph (1) above would be beyond the society’s capacity may only be ratified by the society by special resolution.

(4)A resolution ratifying such action shall not affect any liability incurred by the directors or any other person; relief from any such liability must be agreed to separately by special resolution.]

Textual Amendments

F29Sch. 2 Pt. II substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 3(2), 47(3), Sch. 1; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(c)

[F30 Power of directors to bind society]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F30Sch. 2 Pt. II substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 3(2), 47(3), Sch. 1; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(c)

[F3117(1)In favour of a person dealing with a building society in good faith, the power of the board of directors to bind the society, or authorise others to do so, shall not be limited by reason of anything included in the society’s constitution, that is to say, its memorandum and rules.U.K.

(2)For this purpose—

(a)a person deals with a building society if he is a party to any transaction or other act to which the society is a party;

(b)a person shall not be regarded as acting in bad faith by reason only of his knowing that an act is beyond the powers of the directors under the society’s constitution; and

(c)a person shall be presumed to have acted in good faith unless the contrary is proved.

(3)The references above to limitations on the directors’ powers under the society’s constitution include limitations deriving from a resolution of the society passed at a general meeting or special meeting or on a postal ballot, or from any agreement between the members of the society.

(4)Notwithstanding anything in paragraph 3(2) above, sub-paragraph (1) above applies in relation to members of the society, and to persons claiming on account of members or under the rules of the society, as it applies in relation to other persons.

(5)Sub-paragraph (1) above does not affect any right of a member of the society to bring proceedings to restrain the doing of an act which is beyond the powers of the directors; but no such proceedings shall lie in respect of an act to be done in fulfilment of a legal obligation arising from a previous act of the society.

(6)Nor does that sub-paragraph affect any liability incurred by the directors, or any other person, by reason of the directors’ exceeding their powers.]

Textual Amendments

F31Sch. 2 Pt. II substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 3(2), 47(3), Sch. 1; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(c)

[F32 No duty to enquire as to capacity of society etc.]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F32Sch. 2 Pt. II substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 3(2), 47(3), Sch. 1; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(c)

[F3318(1)A party to a transaction with a building society is not bound to enquire as to whether it is permitted by the society’s constitution or as to any limitation on the powers of the board of directors to bind the society or authorise others to do so.U.K.

(2)Notwithstanding anything in paragraph 3(2) above, sub-paragraph (1) above applies in relation to members of the society as it applies in relation to other persons.]

Textual Amendments

F33Sch. 2 Pt. II substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 3(2), 47(3), Sch. 1; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(c)

Powers of central officeU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part IIIU.K. Meetings, Resolutions and Postal Ballots

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Sch. 2 Pt. III (paras. 20–36) excluded (temp.) by S.I. 1986/2168, art. 3(1)(2)

C4Sch. 2 Pt. III (paras. 20–36) modified by S.I. 1987/426, art. 4

Annual general meetingU.K.

20(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, every building society shall hold a meeting in the first four months of each financial year as its annual general meeting (in addition to any other meetings in that year) and shall specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it.

(2)Sub-paragraph (1) above does not require a building society to hold an annual general meeting in the calendar year in which it is incorporated.

(3)If default is made in holding a meeting in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) above, the Commission may—

(a)call, or direct the calling of, an annual general meeting in that financial year, and

(b)give such ancillary or consequential directions as it thinks expedient, including directions modifying or supplementing the operation of the rules of the society in relation to the calling, holding and conducting of the meeting.

(4)Notwithstanding anything in the rules of a building society, the business which may be dealt with at the annual general meeting shall include any resolution whether special or not.

(5)In any case where default is made—

(a)in holding an annual general meeting in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) above, or

(b)in complying with any directions of the Commission given under sub-paragraph (3) above,

the building society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

[F34Special meeting on members’ requisition]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F34Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 20A and cross-heading inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 25, 47(3); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(q)

[F3520A(1)On a members’ requisition, a building society shall—

(a)duly call a special meeting, and specify the meeting as such in the notice calling it; and

(b)if so required by the requisition, send to each member entitled to receive notice of the meeting a copy of a statement of not more than 500 words with respect to the matters to be dealt with at the meeting;

and where a meeting is so called no business shall be conducted at the meeting other than that stated in the notice calling it or (where applicable) that mentioned in sub-paragraph (8)(b) below.

(2)A members’ requisition is a requisition of not less than the requisite number of members of the society; and that number is 100 or such lesser number as may be specified in the rules of the society.

(3)The requisition—

(a)must state the objects of the meeting, be signed by the requisitionists and be deposited at the society’s principal office; and

(b)may consist of several documents in like form each signed by one or more requisitionists and each after the first deposited within three months of the date on which the first was deposited.

(4)Where the requisition consists of several documents, the date of its deposit shall be taken to be the date on which the document signed by the requisitionist making up the requisite number is deposited at the society’s principal office.

(5)The rules of the society may require a requisitionist—

(a)to state his full name and address;

(b)to fulfil one or other of the following conditions, namely—

(i)to have been a shareholding member for a specified period and to hold, or to have held at any time during that period, shares in the society to such value (not greater than the prescribed amount) as is specified in the rules; and

(ii)to have been a borrowing member for a specified period and to owe to the society, or to have owed to the society at any time during that period, a mortgage debt of such amount (not greater than the prescribed amount) as is so specified; and

(c)to identify a share or mortgage account with the society which will evidence the fact that he fulfils one or other of those conditions;

and in this sub-paragraph “specified period” means such period (not more than two years) before the date of the requisition as is specified in the rules.

(6)No objection may be made by virtue of such rules to the requisition or, where the requisition consists of several documents, to any of those documents unless it is made within 14 days of the requisition or document being deposited at the society’s principal office.

(7)The rules of the society may also require a sum of money, not exceeding £25 per requisitionist, to be deposited with the requisition; and, where any money is so deposited, it shall be forfeited to the society, or returned to the persons who deposited it, as provided by the rules.

(8)The rules shall not provide for any deposited money to be forfeited to the society except—

(a)where a quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for the meeting; or

(b)where and to the extent that those eligible to vote at the meeting decide by ordinary resolution that the money should be applied to defray the whole or any part of the expenses of holding the meeting.

(9)If the rules of a building society so provide, sub-paragraph (1) above does not require the society—

(a)to call a special meeting if the only or main object of the meeting is to move a resolution in substantially the same terms as any resolution which has been defeated at a meeting or on a postal ballot during the period beginning with the third annual general meeting before the date on which the requisition is deposited at the society’s principal office; or

(b)to call a special meeting to be held during the period of four months beginning one month after the end of its financial year.

(10)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) above does not require the society to send copies of a statement to members entitled to receive notice of a meeting in any case where—

(a)publicity for the statement would be likely to diminish substantially the confidence in the society of investing members of the public; or

(b)the rights conferred by sub-paragraph (1)(b) above are being abused to seek needless publicity for defamatory matter or for frivolous or vexatious purposes;

and that provision shall not be taken to confer any rights on members, or to impose any duties on a building society, in respect of a statement which does not relate directly to the affairs of the society.

(11)Where sub-paragraph (1)(b) above requires copies of a statement to be sent to members entitled to receive notice of a meeting, the proceedings at the meeting are not invalidated by—

(a)the accidental omission to send a copy of the statement to a member entitled to receive one, or

(b)the non-receipt of such a copy by such a member.

(12)The Commission shall hear and determine any dispute arising under sub-paragraph (10)(a) above, whether on the application of the society or of any other person who claims to be aggrieved.

(13)The Commission may, with the consent of the Treasury, by order substitute—

(a)for the number specified in sub-paragraph (2) above; or

(b)for the sum specified in sub-paragraph (7) above,

such other number or sum as appears to it to be appropriate; and an order under this subsection may make such supplementary, transitional and saving provision as appears to the Commission to be necessary or expedient.

(14)The power to make an order under sub-paragraph (13) above is exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F35Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 20A and cross-heading inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 25, 47(3); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(q)

[F36Failure to comply with members’ requisition]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F36Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 20B and cross-heading inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 26, 47(3); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(r)

[F3720B(1)This paragraph applies where a members’ requisition is deposited at a building society’s principal office and the society is not relieved of the obligation to call a special meeting by paragraph 20A(9)(a) above.U.K.

(2)Subject to sub-paragraph (5) below, if the society does not within 28 days from the date of the deposit of the requisition duly call a meeting to be held within 63 days from that date—

(a)the requisitionists, or any proportion of them exceeding one half, may themselves call a meeting to be held within five months from that date; and

(b)no business shall be conducted at a meeting so called other than that stated in the notice calling it or (where applicable) that mentioned in paragraph 20A(8)(b) above.

(3)A meeting called under sub-paragraph (2) above by requisitionists shall be called in the same manner, as nearly as may be, as that in which meetings are to be called by the society.

(4)If—

(a)paragraph 20A(1)(b) above requires the society to send to each member entitled to receive notice of the meeting a copy of a statement of not more than 500 words with respect to the matters to be dealt with at the meeting; and

(b)subject to sub-paragraph (5) below, that requirement is not complied with within 28 days from the date of the deposit of the requisition,

the requisitionists, or any proportion of them exceeding one half, may themselves send a copy of the statement to each such member.

(5)If the rules of the society make such provision as is mentioned in paragraph 20A(9)(b) above, any days falling within the period there mentioned shall be disregarded in determining any period for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) or (4)(b) above.

(6)Any reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitionists by reason of the failure of the society to call a meeting, or to comply with such a requirement as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (4) above, shall be repaid to the requisitionists by the society.

(7)Any sum so repaid shall be recoverable by the society from such of the directors of the society as were responsible for the failure (whether by the retention of fees or other remuneration in respect of services or otherwise).]

Textual Amendments

F37Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 20B and cross-heading inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 26, 47(3); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(r)

Length of notice for calling meetingsU.K.

21(1)Any provision contained in the rules of a building society shall be void to the extent that it provides for the calling of a meeting of the society (other than an adjourned meeting) by less than 21 days’ notice expiring with the date of the meeting or, if earlier, the date specified by the society, under its rules, as the final date for the receipt of instruments appointing proxies to vote at the meeting.U.K.

(2)A meeting of a building society may be called by 21 days’ notice, unless the rules provide for longer notice of the meeting to be given.

(3)Where notice of a meeting is given in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) above, the notice shall be taken for the purposes of this Act or any other enactment to have been duly given according to the rules of the building society.

Persons entitled to notice of meetingsU.K.

22(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Schedule, notice of a meeting of a building society shall be given to every member of the society who would be eligible to vote at the meeting if the meeting were held on the date of the notice.U.K.

[F38(2)Notice of the meeting shall, subject to those provisions, be given also to every person—

(a)who becomes a shareholding or borrowing member of the society after the date of the notice under sub-paragraph (1) above and before the specified date; or

(b)who, being such a member at the date of that notice, attains the age of 18 after that date and on or before the date of the meeting,

and who would (in either case) be eligible to vote at the meeting if he remained such a member until the date of the meeting.

(2A)In sub-paragraph (2) above “the specified date” means the date specified by the society as the final date for the receipt of instruments appointing proxies to vote at the meeting.]

(3)Accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or non-receipt of notice of a meeting by, any person entitled to receive notice of the meeting does not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

Textual Amendments

F38Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 22(2)(2A) substituted for Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 22(2) (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(2); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5Sch. 2 Pt. III paras. 22, 34 excluded by S.I. 1987/426, art. 3

Members’ entitlement to vote on resolutionsU.K.

23[F39(1)A member of a building society is entitled to vote—U.K.

(a)on an ordinary resolution or a special resolution if he was, at the end of the last financial year before the voting date, and is, on that date, a shareholding or borrowing member of the society;

(b)on a shareholding members’ resolution, if he was, at the end of that year, and is, on that date, a shareholding member of the society; and

(c)on a borrowing members’ resolution if he was, at the end of that year, and is, on that date, a borrowing member of the society,

but subject, in either case, to paragraphs 5(3), 7(4) and 8(4) above and, in the case of paragraphs (a) and (b), to sub-paragraph (3) below.]

(2)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, any provision in the rules of a building society is void to the extent that it would have the effect of restricting the rights conferred on members by sub-paragraph (1) above.

[F40(3)If the rules of the society so provide, a shareholding member is not entitled to vote on an ordinary resolution or a special resolution as such a member, or to vote on a shareholding members’ resolution—

(a)if he did not have a qualifying shareholding at the qualifying shareholding date; or

(b)if he ceased to hold shares at some time between that date and the voting date.

(4)Where a building society’s rules make such provision as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (3)(a) above, a shareholding member shall be taken to have had a qualifying shareholding at the qualifying shareholding date if he had such a holding—

(a)at the end of the last financial year before the voting date, except where paragraph (b) below applies; or

(b)in a case where the voting date falls during that part of a financial year which follows the conclusion of the annual general meeting commenced in that year, at the beginning of the period of 56 days immediately preceding the voting date for members voting in person at a meeting or, as the case may be, on a postal ballot.]

(5)For the purposes of this paragraph a member of a building society has a “qualifying shareholding” at any time if at that time he holds shares in the society to a value not less than the prescribed amount or such lesser amount as may be specified in the rules.

(6)In this paragraph “voting date”, with reference to any resolution, means—

(a)the date of the meeting at which the resolution is intended to be moved, except where paragraph (b) or (c) below applies;

(b)where voting on the resolution is to be conducted by postal ballot, the date which the society specifies as the final date for the receipt of completed ballot papers;

(c)in the case of a member appointing a proxy to vote instead of him at a meeting, the date which the society specifies as the final date for the receipt of instruments appointing proxies to vote on that resolution.

Textual Amendments

F39Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 23(1) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(3); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F40Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 23(3)(4) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(4); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

ProxiesU.K.

24(1)A member of a building society who is entitled to attend and vote at a meeting of the society—U.K.

(a)may appoint another person (whether a member of the society or not) as his proxy, to attend and, subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, to vote at the meeting instead of him, and

(b)may direct the proxy how to vote at the meeting.

(2)Where the society, under its rules, specifies a final date for the receipt of instruments appointing proxies to vote at a meeting, a person appointed a proxy by a member who at that date is entitled to attend and vote at the meeting may act as his proxy at the meeting whether or not the member ceases to be so entitled after that date.

(3)A proxy is entitled to vote on a poll but, subject to any provision in the rules of the building society, not otherwise.

(4)In every notice calling a meeting of a building society there shall appear with reasonable prominence a statement—

(a)that a member entitled to attend and vote may appoint a proxy (or, where it is allowed, one or more proxies) to attend and vote at the meeting instead of him;

(b)that the proxy need not be a member of the society; and

(c)that the member may direct the proxy how to vote at the meeting.

[F41(4A)Every form for the appointment of a proxy sent by a building society to persons entitled to notice of a meeting of the society must contain provision enabling that person to direct the proxy how to vote at the meeting.]

(5)If default is made in complying with sub-paragraph (4) above in respect of a meeting of a building society, [F42or in complying with sub-paragraph (4A) above in respect of a form of appointment of a proxy,]the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale, and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

(6)Any provision contained in the rules of a building society shall be void in so far as it would have the effect of requiring the instrument appointing a proxy, or any other document necessary to show the validity of, or otherwise relating to, the appointment of a proxy, to be received by the society or any other person more than seven days before a meeting or adjourned meeting in order that the appointment may be effective at the meeting or adjourned meeting.

Textual Amendments

F41Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 24(4A) inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(5); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F42Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 24(5) inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(6); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

Right to demand a pollU.K.

25(1)Any provision contained in the rules of a building society shall be void in so far as it would have the effect either—U.K.

(a)of excluding the right to demand a poll at a meeting of the society on any question other than the election of a chairman of the meeting or the adjournment of the meeting, or

(b)of making ineffective a demand for a poll on any such question which is made by not less than ten members having the right to vote at the meeting.

(2)The instrument appointing a proxy to vote at a meeting of a building society shall be taken also to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll; and for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) above a demand by a person as proxy of a member shall be the same as the demand by the member.

Special resolutionsU.K.

26U.K.No resolution of a building society shall be passed as a special resolution [F43, or as a shareholding members’ resolution,]unless it is required to be so passed by or under any provision of this Act or by the rules of the society.

Textual Amendments

F43Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 26 inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(7); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

27(1)A resolution of a building society shall be a special resolution when it has been passed by not less than three-quarters of the number of the members of the society qualified to vote on a special resolution and voting either—U.K.

(a)in person or by proxy on a poll on the resolution at a meeting of the society of which notice specifying the intention to move the resolution as a special resolution has been duly given; or

(b)in a postal ballot on the resolution of which notice specifying that the resolution will not be effective unless it is passed as a special resolution has been duly given.

(2)In any rules made by a building society on or after 1st October 1960, whether before or after the commencement of this Act, “special resolution”, unless the context otherwise requires, means a special resolution as defined in this paragraph.

[F4427AU.K.A resolution of a building society shall be a shareholding members’ resolution when it has been passed by not less than three-quarters of the number of the shareholding members of the society—

(a)qualified to vote on a shareholding members’ resolution; and

(b)voting in person or by proxy on a poll on the resolution at a meeting of the society of which notice specifying the intention to move the resolution as a shareholding members’ resolution has been duly given.]

Textual Amendments

F44Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 27A inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(8); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II((w)(z)(xxxiv)

Borrowing members’ resolutionsU.K.

28U.K.No resolution of a building society shall be passed as a borrowing members’ resolution unless it is required to be so passed by or under any provision of this Act or by the rules of the society.

29[F45(1)A resolution of a building society shall be a borrowing members’ resolution when it has been passed by a majority of the borrowing members of the society voting in person or by proxy on a poll on the resolution at a meeting of the society of which notice specifying the intention to move the resolution as a borrowing members’ resolution has been duly given.]U.K.

[F46(2)For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule, an individual who is indebted to a building society in respect of a loan fully secured on land is not a borrowing member of the society at any time if at that time the amount of his mortgage debt is less than the prescribed amount.]

(3)Where a borrowing member’s resolution approving a transfer of engagements by a building society is moved, only those borrowing members whose mortgages are to be transferred shall be entitled to vote on the resolution.

(4)In any rules made by a building society after the commencement of this paragraph, “borrowing members’ resolution”, unless the context otherwise requires, means a borrowing members’ resolution as defined in this paragraph.

Textual Amendments

F45Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 29(1) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(9); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F46Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 29(2) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 2(4), 47(3) (with s. 46(1), Sch. 8 paras. 4, 5); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(b)

Transfer resolutionsU.K.

30(1)The transfer resolutions required for the purposes of section 97 for the approval by members of a building society of a transfer of its business are two resolutions, of which—

(a)one is passed as a borrowing members’ resolution, and

(b)the other (“the requisite shareholders’ resolution”) is passed in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) below.

(2)In a case where the successor is to be a specially formed company, the requisite shareholders’ resolution—

(a)must be passed as a [F47shareholding members’ resolution], and

(b)must be passed on a poll on which not less than [F4850] per cent. of the members of the society qualified to vote on a [F47shareholding members’ resolution] voted;

and the notice of the resolution required by [F49paragraph 27A above] must specify that the resolution will not be effective unless both of the requirements specified in this sub-paragraph are fulfilled.

(3)Subject to any direction under sub-paragraph (5) below, in a case where the successor is to be an existing company, the requisite shareholders’ resolution must be passed as a [F50shareholding members’ resolution] and either—

(a)must be passed by not less than 50 per cent. of the members qualified to vote on a [F50shareholding members’ resolution], or

(b)must be passed by the holders, being members qualified to vote on a [F50shareholding members’ resolution], of shares in the society to a value, on the voting date, representing not less than 90 per cent. of the total value of the shares held on that date by the members so qualified to vote;

and, in either case, the resolution must be a resolution in relation to which the notice required by [F51paragraph 27A] above includes a statement specifying that the resolution will not be effective unless either of the above requirements is fulfilled [F52has been duly given].

(4)If the Commission considers it expedient, in relation to a transfer of the business of a building society to an existing company, to do so for the purpose of protecting the investments of the shareholders of or depositors with the society, the Commission may give a direction under sub-paragraph (5) below.

(5)A direction under this sub-paragraph is a direction that, for the purposes of the transfer of business specified in the direction, the requisite shareholders’ resolution is to be effective if it is passed as a [F53shareholding members’ resolution].

(6)The Treasury, after consultation with the Commission, may by order amend sub-paragraph (2)(b), (3)(a) or (3)(b) above so as to substitute for the percentage for the time being specified in the subparagraph such other percentage as it thinks appropriate.

(7)The power to make orders under sub-paragraph (6) above is exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(8)In this paragraph “voting date", with reference to a requisite shareholders’ resolution, has the same meaning as in paragraph 23(6) above.

Textual Amendments

F47Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 30(2) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(10)(a); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F48Words in Sch. 2 para. 30(2)(b) substituted (5.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2714, art. 2

F49Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 30(2) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(10)(b); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F50Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 30(3) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(11)(a); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F51Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 30(3) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(11)(b); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F52Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 30(3) repealed (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 46(3), 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(11)(c), Sch. 9; S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(y)(z)(xxxiv)(cc)(xviii)

F53Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 30(5) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(12); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

Members’ right to propose and circulate resolutionsU.K.

31(1)If at least the requisite number of qualified members of a building society give notice to the society of their intention to have moved on their behalf a resolution, other than [F54a shareholding members’ resolution or]a borrowing members’ resolution, specified in the notice at an annual general meeting of the society, it shall be the duty of the society, subject to sub-paragraphs (4), (5) and (6) below—

(a)to include in the notice of the annual general meeting a notice specifying the intention to have the resolution moved on their behalf at the meeting and, where applicable, the intention to move it as a special resolution;

(b)at the request of the members intending to have the resolution moved on their behalf, to send to each member entitled to receive notice of the meeting a copy of any statement of not more than [F55500 words] with respect to the matter referred to in the resolution.

(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) above—

(a)the requisite number”—

(i)in the case of a society with a qualifying asset holding, is fifty or such lesser number as is specified for the purpose in the rules of the society, and

(ii)in the case of any other society is ten or such lesser number as is specified for the purpose in the rules of the society;

(b)every member of a building society is a “qualified member” unless the rules make other provision for the purpose which is not rendered void under sub-paragraph (3) below.

(3)Any provision contained in the rules of a building society shall be void to the extent that it would have the effect of requiring a qualified member, for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) above,—

(a)to hold or have at any time held shares in the society to a value greater than the prescribed amount in force on the qualifying date; or

(b)to have held shares in the society at any time before the commencement of the period of two years ending with the qualifying date; or

and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph the qualifying date is the date on which the notice is given to the society under sub-paragraph (1) above.

(4)Sub-paragraph (1) above does not require a building society to send notices of a resolution or copies of a statement to members of the society in any case where—

(a)publicity for the resolution or, as the case may be, the statement would be likely to diminish substantially the confidence in the society of investing members of the public; or

(b)the rights conferred by sub-paragraph (1) are being abused to seek needless publicity for defamatory matter or for frivolous or vexatious purposes;

and that sub-paragraph shall not be taken to confer any rights on members, or to impose any duties on a building society, in respect of a resolution or statement which does not relate directly to the affairs of the society.

(5)If the rules of a building society so provide, sub-paragraph (1) above does not require notice of a resolution to be given to members of the society if the resolution is in substantially the same terms as any resolution which has been defeated at a meeting or on a postal ballot during the period beginning with the third annual general meeting before the date on which notice of the resolution is given to the society.

(6)No copies of a statement with respect to a resolution shall be sent to members of a building society if, on any of the grounds in sub-paragraph (4) or (5) above, the society does not give the notice of the resolution to them required by sub-paragraph (1)(a) above.

(7)The Commission shall hear and determine any dispute arising under sub-paragraph (4)(a) above, whether on the application of the building society or of any other person who claims to be aggrieved.

(8)If a building society fails to comply with the requirements of sub-paragraph (1) above where notice is duly given under that sub-paragraph, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

Textual Amendments

F54Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 31(1) inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(13)(a); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F55Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 31(1) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(13)(b); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

Members’ resolutions: supplementary provisionsU.K.

32(1)Notice of a resolution given under paragraph 31(1) above must be given to the building society not later than the last day of the financial year preceding the financial year in which is held the annual general meeting at which it is intended to move the resolution; and any statement to be sent to members under paragraph 31 (1)(b) above must also be notified to the society not later than that day.

(2)The notices of a resolution and the copies of a statement required to be sent to members by paragraph 31(1)(a) or (b) above shall be sent to them in the same manner and (so far as practicable) at the same time as the notice of the annual general meeting at which the resolution is intended to be moved; and, where it is not practicable for them to be sent at the same time as the notice, they shall be sent as soon as practicable thereafter.

(3)Where notices of a resolution, or copies of a statement in respect of a resolution, intended to be moved at a meeting of a building society are required to be sent to any persons, the proceedings at the meeting are not invalidated by—

(a)the accidental omission to send a notice or copy to a person entitled to receive one, or

(b)the non-receipt of a notice or copy by such a person.

(4)The Commission may by order vary—

(a)the definition of “requisite number" or “qualified member” in sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 31 above, or

(b)the descriptions of provisions which are rendered void by sub-paragraph (3) of that paragraph.

whether by the addition of any description or other provision or by the substitution or deletion of any definition, description or other provision for the time being specified or contained in that paragraph.

(5)An order under sub-paragraph (4) above shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursu" ance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6)An order under sub-paragraph (4) above may contain transitional, consequential or supplementary provision.

Postal ballotsU.K.

33(1)The rules of a building society may provide for the voting in an election of directors or on any resolution of the society [F56(other than a shareholding members’ resolution or a borrowing members’ resolution)]to be conducted in all, or in any particular, circumstances by postal ballot; and in this Act “ballot” or “postal ballot”, in relation to an election or a resolution of the society, means the postal ballot, if any, taking place by virtue of those rules in the case of the election or the resolution in question.U.K.

(2)Where, under the rules of a society, a postal ballot is to take place, the following provisions of this paragraph have effect.

(3)Notice of a postal ballot shall be given not less than 21 nor more than 56 days before the date which the society specifies as the final date for the receipt of completed ballot papers (referred to in this paragraph as “the voting day”).

(4)Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Schedule, notice of a postal ballot shall be given to every member of the society who would be entitled to vote in the election or on the resolution if the voting date for the election or the resolution fell on the date of the notice.

[F57(5)Notice of the postal ballot shall, subject to those provisions, be given also to every person—

(a)who becomes a shareholding or borrowing member of the society after the date of the notice under sub-paragraph (4) above and before the voting day; or

(b)who, being such a member at the date of that notice, attains the age of 18 after that date and on or before the voting day,

and who would (in either case) be eligible to vote in the election or on the resolution if he remained such a member until that day.]

(6)Notice of a postal ballot—

(a)shall contain such other notices relating to the election or resolution, and

(b)shall be accompanied by such other documents,

as would be required to be given or sent to a member in connection with notice of a meeting, had it been intended to hold the election or vote on the resolution at a meeting instead of by postal ballot with the exception, however, of any notice relating to voting by proxy at a meeting.

(7)Accidental omission—

(a)to give notice of a postal ballot, or

(b)to send any document required by sub-paragraph (6) above to accompany such a notice,

to any person entitled to receive it, or non-receipt of such a notice or document by such a person, does not invalidate the postal ballot.

Textual Amendments

F56Words in Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 33(1) inserted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(14); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

F57Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 33(5) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(15); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

Declarations to be made in proxy and ballot formsU.K.

34(1)If a member of a building society who purports to exercise his right—U.K.

(a)to appoint a proxy to vote instead of him at a meeting of the society, or

(b)to vote in a postal ballot, or

(c)to vote on a poll at a meeting of the society,

fails to make a declaration in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) below in the instrument of appointment or, as the case may be, on the voting paper, the appointment made or, as the case may be, the vote cast by him is invalid.

[F58(2)A person making a declaration in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) above shall—

(a)declare that he has attained the age of 18 years or will have attained that age on or before the voting date or, where he is voting by proxy, on or before the date of the meeting;

(b)where the vote is to be cast on a shareholding members’ resolution, declare—

(i)that on the voting date he is or, so far as he can reasonably foresee, will be a shareholder of the society; and

(ii)where the person is not entitled to vote unless he had a qualifying shareholding on the qualifying shareholding date, that he had or, so far as he can reasonably foresee, will have such a shareholding on that date;

(c)where the vote is to be cast on a borrowing members’ resolution, declare that on the voting date he is or, so far as he can reasonably foresee, will be a borrowing member of the society; and

(d)where the vote is to be cast on an ordinary or special resolution, declare either as mentioned in paragraph (b) above, or as mentioned in paragraph (c) above, or both.]

(3)A building society shall secure that every document issued by it for use as a voting paper or as an instrument for the appointment of a proxy incorporates a form of declaration under this paragraph for completion by the member using it.

(4)If a building society fails to comply with the requirements of sub-paragraph (3) above, the society shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and so shall any officer who is also guilty of the offence.

(5)In this paragraph—

Textual Amendments

F58Sch. 2 Pt. III para. 34(2) substituted (1.12.1997 in specified cases and for specified purposes and otherwise in accordance with art. 2(2)(3)(5) of S.I. 1997/2668) by 1997 c. 32, ss. 43, 47(3), Sch. 7 para. 57(16); S.I. 1997/2668, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II(w)(z)(xxxiv)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6Sch. 2 Pt. III paras. 22, 34 excluded by S.I. 1987/426, art. 3

Advertising requirements in lieu of notice of meetings, etc.U.K.

35(1)The advertising requirements referred to in paragraph 14 above, in relation to notices of meetings or postal ballots of building societies, are as follows.U.K.

(2)Notice of the holding of the meeting or of the postal ballot must be given either—

(a)by displaying a notice in a prominent position in every branch office, or

(b)by advertisement in one or more newspapers circulating in the areas in which the members of the society reside,

according as the rules of the society provide.

(3)The notice must be given not later than 21 days before the date of the proposed meeting or, as the case may be, the final date for the receipt of completed ballot papers.

(4)The notice shall state where members may obtain copies of the resolutions and any statements with respect to the matter referred to in a resolution, forms relating to voting by proxy and, in the case of a postal ballot, the ballot papers.

The prescribed amountU.K.

36(1)For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule, the “prescribed amount” is £100 or such other amount as the Commission, with the consent of the Treasury, by order specifies for the time being.

(2)The power to make an order under sub-paragraph (1) above shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3)An order under sub-paragraph (1) above may contain transitional, consequential or supplementary provision.