Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004

Part 2 E+W+S Community interest companies

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. 2 modified (1.1.2007 for specified purposes, 20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 1.11.2007 for specified purposes, 15.12.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1161-1171, 1173, 1174, 1300(2), Sch. 7, Sch. 8; S.I. 2006/3428, art. 2(2)(f)(g), 3(2)(c)(d)(3) (with arts. 6 8(2)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(1)(d)(2)(h) (with art. 6 art. 8(2) art. 4 11(1)); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(3)(k), 3(2)(c), 4(2)(a) (with arts. 4, 6, 7, 8(2), 11(1), 12, Sch. 1 para. 21); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(o)-(r), (t)(3)(i)(j), 5(3)(b)(c) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(u) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C2 Pt. 2 extended (Northern Ireland) (1.1.2007 for specified purposes, 20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2007 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1284(1), 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, arts. 2(2)(h), 3(2)(e), 4(3)(c) (with arts. 6, 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 15) (which transitional provisions in Sch. 1 are revoked (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2008/2860, arts. 1(2), 6(1)(a) (with arts. 5, 8, Sch. 2)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(1)(e) (with arts. 3, 4, 7, 11(1), 12); S.I. 2006/3428, arts. 2(2)(h), 3(2)(e), 4(3)(c) (with arts. 6, 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 15) (which transitional provisions in Sch. 1 are revoked (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2008/2860, arts. 1(2), 6(1)(a) (with arts. 5, 8, Sch. 2)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(1)(e) (with arts. 3, 4, 7 11(1), 12)

C3 Pt. 2 excluded (20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1129, 1300(2) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (with arts. 6, 8(2)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c) (with arts. 4, 11(1)); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2007/3495, arts. 3(3)(g), 5(3)(a) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(s) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C4 Pt. 2 modified (20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 583, 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (with arts. 6, 8(2)); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(k) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 paras. 1, 57)

C5 Pt. 2 restricted (20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1156(2), 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (with arts. 6, 8(2)); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(t) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C6 Pt. 2 power to apply (with modifications) conferred (20.1.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1043(2), 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (with arts. 6, 8(2))

C7 Pt. 2 modified (20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1081(6), 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (with arts. 6, 8(2)); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(r) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1105) (which transitional provisions in Sch. 2 are substituted (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2009/1802, arts. 1, 18, Sch.)

C8 Pt. 2 power to apply conferred (20.1.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1042(1), 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(3) (with arts. 6, 8(2))

C9 Pt. 2 modified (20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1125(1), 1300(2) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (with arts. 6, 8(2)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c) (with arts. 4 11(1)); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with arts. 7 12); S.I. 2007/3495, arts. 3(3)(g), 5(3)(a) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(s) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C10 Pt. 2 modified (20.1.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1131, 1300(2) (with s. 1133); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 3(2)(b) (with arts. 6, 8(2)); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(c) (with arts. 4 11(1)); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(l)(3)(h) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2007/3495, arts. 3(3)(g), 5(3)(a) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(s) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C11 Pt. 2 modified (6.4.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 1.11.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 546, 1300(2); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(a) (with arts. 4 11(1)); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(3)(e), 3(2)(a) (with arts. 7 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(3)(d) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(k) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C12 Pt. 2 modified (6.4.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 558, 1300(2) (with s. 559); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(2)(b) (with arts. 4, 11(1)); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(k) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C13 Pt. 2 modified (6.4.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), s. 1060(3)(4), 1300(2); S.I. 2006/3428, art. 4(3)(a) (with arts. 6 8(2)); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(r) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C14 Pt. 2 modified (6.4.2007) by The Companies Acts (Unregistered Companies) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/318), regs. 1(2), 4, 5 (with reg. 6)

C15 Pt. 2 modified (1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), s. 540(1)(4), 1300(2); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(3)(c) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(3)(b) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(k) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C16 Pt. 2 modified (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 288(1), 1300(2) (with s. 281(4)); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(1)(f) (with arts. 7, 12, Sch. 1 para. 13, Sch. 3 para. 24) (which transitional provisions in Sch. 1 are amended (6.4.2008) by S.I. 2007/3495, art. 10(1)(b) (with S.I. 2008/674, arts. 2(3), 5, Sch. 3 para. 4) and revoked (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2008/2860, art. 6(1)(c)(2) (with art. 8, Sch. 2))

C17 Pt. 2 modified (1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 1.11.2007 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1158, 1300(2); S.I. 2007/2194, arts. 2(3)(i), 3(2)(b) (with arts. 7 12 Sch. 1 para. 21) (which transitional provisions in Sch. 1 are revoked (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2008/2860, art. 6(1)(c)(2) (with art. 8, Sch. 2)); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(u) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C18 Pt. 2 modified (1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 545, 1300(2); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(3)(d) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(3)(c) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(k) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C19 Pt. 2 modified (1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 629, 1300(2); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(3)(g) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(3)(f) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(k) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C20 Pt. 2 modified (1.10.2007 for specified purposes, 6.4.2008 for specified purposes, 1.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 548, 1300(2); S.I. 2007/2194, art. 2(3)(f) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(3)(e) (with arts. 7, 12); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(k) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C21 Pt. 2 modified (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 437(3), 1300(2); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(d) (with arts. 7 9 12 Sch. 4 para. 6)

C22 Pt. 2 modified (6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 738, 1300(2); S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(g) (with arts. 7 12)

C23 Pt. 2 modified (1.10.2009) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1(1), 547, 724(5), 1044, 1300(2); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(a) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C24 Pt. 2 modified by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1170A, 1170B (as inserted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 260(8) (with art. 10))

C25 Pt. 2 extended (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 2 (with art. 10)

C26 Pt. 2 restricted (1.10.2009) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1118, 1300(2); S.I. 2008/2860, art. 3(r) (with arts. 7, 8, Sch. 2 para. 1)

C27 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2009) by The Unregistered Companies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2436), regs. 1(2), 3-5, Sch. 1 para. 21 (with regs. 7, 9, Sch. 2)

C28 Pt. 2 extended (12.5.2011) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1265), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 2

Introductory E+W+S

26 Community interest companies E+W+S

(1) There is to be a new type of company to be known as the community interest company.

(2) In accordance with this Part—

(a) a company limited by shares or a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital may be formed as or become a community interest company, and

(b) a company limited by guarantee and having a share capital may become a community interest company.

(3) A community interest company established for charitable purposes is to be treated as not being so established and accordingly—

(a) is not [F1 an English charity or a Northern Ireland charity], and

(b) must not be [F2 entered in the Scottish Charity Register].

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 26(3)(a) substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 1 (with art. 11(1))

F2 Words in s. 26(3)(b) substituted (1.4.2006) by Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/242), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 8(2)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 26 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

27 Regulator E+W+S

(1) There is to be an officer known as the Regulator of Community Interest Companies (referred to in this Part as “the Regulator”).

(2) The Secretary of State must appoint a person to be the Regulator.

(3) The Regulator has such functions relating to community interest companies as are conferred or imposed by or by virtue of this Act or any other enactment.

(4) The Regulator must adopt an approach to the discharge of those functions which is based on good regulatory practice, that is an approach adopted having regard to—

(a) the likely impact on those who may be affected by the discharge of those functions,

(b) the outcome of consultations with, and with organisations representing, community interest companies and others with relevant experience, and

(c) the desirability of using the Regulator’s resources in the most efficient and economic way.

(5) The Regulator may issue guidance, or otherwise provide assistance, about any matter relating to community interest companies.

(6) The Secretary of State may require the Regulator to issue guidance or otherwise provide assistance about any matter relating to community interest companies which is specified by the Secretary of State.

(7) Any guidance issued under this section must be such that it is readily accessible to, and capable of being easily understood by, those at whom it is aimed; and any other assistance provided under this section must be provided in the manner which the Regulator considers is most likely to be helpful to those to whom it is provided.

(8) Schedule 3 (further provisions about the Regulator) has effect.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 27 in force at 1.1.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

28 Appeal Officer E+W+S

(1) There is to be an officer known as the Appeal Officer for Community Interest Companies (referred to in this Part as “the Appeal Officer”).

(2) The Secretary of State must appoint a person to be the Appeal Officer.

(3) The Appeal Officer has the function of determining appeals against decisions and orders of the Regulator which under or by virtue of this Act or any other enactment lie to the Appeal Officer.

(4) An appeal to the Appeal Officer against a decision or order of the Regulator may be brought on the ground that the Regulator made a material error of law or fact.

(5) On such an appeal the Appeal Officer must—

(a) dismiss the appeal,

(b) allow the appeal, or

(c) remit the case to the Regulator.

(6) Where a case is remitted the Regulator must reconsider it in accordance with any rulings of law and findings of fact made by the Appeal Officer.

(7) Schedule 4 (further provisions about the Appeal Officer) has effect.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 28 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

29 Official Property Holder E+W+S

(1) There is to be an officer known as the Official Property Holder for Community Interest Companies (referred to in this Part as “the Official Property Holder”).

(2) The Regulator must appoint a member of the Regulator’s staff to be the Official Property Holder.

(3) The Official Property Holder has such functions relating to property of community interest companies as are conferred or imposed by or by virtue of this Act or any other enactment.

(4) Schedule 5 (further provisions about the Official Property Holder) has effect.

Commencement Information

I4 S. 29 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

Requirements E+W+S

30 Cap on distributions and interest E+W+S

(1) Community interest companies must not distribute assets to their members unless regulations make provision authorising them to do so.

(2) If regulations authorise community interest companies to distribute assets to their members, the regulations may impose limits on the extent to which they may do so.

(3) Regulations may impose limits on the payment of interest on debentures issued by, or debts of, community interest companies.

(4) Regulations under this section may make provision for limits to be set by the Regulator.

(5) The Regulator—

(a) may set a limit by reference to a rate determined by any other person (as it has effect from time to time), and

(b) may set different limits for different descriptions of community interest companies.

(6) The Regulator must (in accordance with section 27)—

(a) undertake appropriate consultation before setting a limit, and

(b) in setting a limit, have regard to its likely impact on community interest companies.

(7) Regulations under this section may include power for the Secretary of State to require the Regulator to review a limit or limits.

(8) Where the Regulator sets a limit he must publish notice of it in the Gazette.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 30 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

31 Distribution of assets on winding up E+W+S

(1) Regulations may make provision for and in connection with the distribution, on the winding up of a community interest company, of any assets of the company which remain after satisfaction of the company’s liabilities.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, amend or modify the operation of any enactment or instrument.

Commencement Information

I6 S. 31 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

32 [F3 Articles of association] E+W+S

(1) The [F4 articles] of a community interest company must state that the company is to be a community interest company.

F5 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The [F6 articles] of a community interest company of any description—

(a) must at all times include such provisions as regulations require to be included in the [F6 articles] of every community interest company or a community interest company of that description, and

(b) must not include such provisions as regulations require not to be so included.

(4) The provisions required by regulations under subsection (3)(a) to be included in the [F7 articles] of a community interest company may (in particular) include—

(a) provisions about the transfer and distribution of the company’s assets (including their distribution on a winding up),

(b) provisions about the payment of interest on debentures issued by the company or debts of the company,

(c) provisions about membership of the company,

(d) provisions about the voting rights of members of the company,

(e) provisions about the appointment and removal of directors of the company, and

(f) provisions about voting at meetings of directors of the company.

(5) The [F8 articles] of a community interest company are of no effect to the extent that they—

(a) are inconsistent with provisions required to be included in the [F9 articles] of the company by regulations under subsection (3)(a), or

(b) include provisions required not to be included by regulations under subsection (3)(b).

(6) Regulations may make provision for and in connection with restricting the ability of a community interest company [F10 to amend its articles so as to add, remove or alter a statement of the company’s objects].

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 32 heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(2) (with art. 10)

F4 Word in s. 32(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(3) (with art. 10)

F5 S. 32(2) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(4) (with art. 10)

F6 Word in s. 32(3) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(5) (with art. 10)

F7 Word in s. 32(4) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(6) (with art. 10)

F8 Word in s. 32(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(7)(a) (with art. 10)

F9 Word in s. 32(5)(a) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(7)(b) (with art. 10)

F10 Words in s. 32(6) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 223(8) (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I7 S. 32 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

33 Names E+W+S

(1) The name of a community interest company which is not a public company must end with—

(a) “community interest company”, or

(b) “c.i.c.”.

(2) [F11 In the case of a Welsh company, its name may instead] end with—

(a) “cwmni buddiant cymunedol”, or

(b) “c.b.c.”,

F12 ...

(3) The name of a community interest company which is a public company must end with—

(a) “community interest public limited company”, or

(b) “community interest p.l.c.”.

(4) [F13 In the case of a Welsh company, its name may instead] end with—

(a) “cwmni buddiant cymunedol cyhoeddus cyfyngedig”, or

(b) “cwmni buddiant cymunedol c.c.c.”,

F14 ...

F15 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 33(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 224(2)(a) (with art. 10)

F12 Words in s. 33(2) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 224(2)(b) (with art. 10)

F13 Words in s. 33(4) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 224(2)(a) (with art. 10)

F14 Words in s. 33(4) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 224(2)(b) (with art. 10)

F15 S. 33(5) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 224(3) (with art. 10)

F16 S. 33(6) repealed (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I8 S. 33 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

34 Community interest company reports E+W+S

(1) The directors of a community interest company must prepare in respect of each financial year a report about the company’s activities during the financial year (a “community interest company report”).

(2) [F17 Regulations must make provision] requiring the directors of a community interest company to deliver to the registrar of companies a copy of the community interest company report.

(3) Regulations—

(a) must make provision requiring community interest company reports to include information about the remuneration of directors,

(b) may make provision as to the form of, and other information to be included in, community interest company reports, and

(c) may apply provisions of F18 ...[F19 the Companies Act 2006] relating to directors' reports to community interest company reports (with any appropriate modifications).

(4) The registrar of companies must forward to the Regulator a copy of each community interest company report delivered to the registrar by virtue of this section.

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 34(2) substituted (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(2)(a) (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F18 Words in s. 34(3)(c) repealed (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(2)(b), Sch. 2 (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F19 Words in s. 34(3)(c) substituted (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No.3, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2194), art. 1(3)(a), Sch. 4 para. 104 (with art. 12)

Commencement Information

I9 S. 34 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

35 Community interest test and excluded companies E+W+S

(1) This section has effect for the purposes of this Part.

(2) A company satisfies the community interest test if a reasonable person might consider that its activities are being carried on for the benefit of the community.

(3) An object stated in the [F20 articles] of a company is a community interest object of the company if a reasonable person might consider that the carrying on of activities by the company in furtherance of the object is for the benefit of the community.

(4) Regulations may provide that activities of a description prescribed by the regulations are to be treated as being, or as not being, activities which a reasonable person might consider are activities carried on for the benefit of the community.

(5) “Community” includes a section of the community (whether in [F21 the United Kingdom] or anywhere else); and regulations may make provision about what does, does not or may constitute a section of the community.

(6) A company is an excluded company if it is a company of a description prescribed by regulations.

Textual Amendments

F20 Word in s. 35(3) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 225 (with art. 10)

F21 Words in s. 35(5) substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 5 (with art. 11(1))

Commencement Information

I10 S. 35 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

Becoming a community interest company E+W+S

[F22 36 Formation of company as a community interest company E+W+S

(1) If a company is to be formed as a community interest company, the documents delivered to the registrar of companies under section 9 of the Companies Act 2006 (registration documents) must be accompanied by the prescribed formation documents.

(2) The “prescribed formation documents” means such declarations or statements as are required by regulations to accompany the application, in such form as may be approved in accordance with the regulations.

(3) On receiving the documents delivered under that section and the prescribed formation documents, the registrar must (instead of registering the documents)—

(a) forward a copy of each of the documents to the Regulator, and

(b) retain the documents pending the Regulator’s decision.

Textual Amendments

F22 Ss. 36-36B substituted for s. 36 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 226 (with art. 10)

36A. Formation as community interest company: decision on eligibility E+W+S

(1) The Regulator must decide whether the company is eligible to be formed as a community interest company.

(2) A company is eligible to be formed as a community interest company if—

(a) its articles comply with the requirements imposed by and by virtue of section 32,

(b) its proposed name complies with section 33, and

(c) the Regulator, having regard to the application and accompanying documents and any other relevant considerations, considers that the company—

(i) will satisfy the community interest test, and

(ii) is not an excluded company.

(3) The Regulator must give notice of the decision to the registrar of companies (but the registrar is not required to record it).

Textual Amendments

F22 Ss. 36-36B substituted for s. 36 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 226 (with art. 10)

36B. Formation as community interest company: implementation of decision on eligibility E+W+S

(1) If the Regulator decides that the company is eligible to be formed as a community interest company, the registrar of companies must—

(a) proceed in accordance with sections 14 and 15 of the Companies Act 2006 (registration and issue of certificate of incorporation), and

(b) if the company is entered on the register, retain and record the prescribed formation documents.

(2) The certificate of incorporation must state that the company is a community interest company and is conclusive evidence that the company is a community interest company.

(3) If the Regulator decides that the company is not eligible to be formed as a community interest company, any subscriber to the memorandum of association may appeal to the Appeal Officer against the decision.]

Textual Amendments

F22 Ss. 36-36B substituted for s. 36 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 226 (with art. 10)

[F23 37 Company becoming a community interest company E+W+S

(1) If a company is to become a community interest company—

(a) the company must by special resolution—

(i) state that it is to be a community interest company,

(ii) make such alterations of its articles as it considers necessary to comply with requirements imposed by and by virtue of section 32 or otherwise appropriate in connection with becoming a community interest company, and

(iii) change its name to comply with section 33;

(b) the conditions specified below must be met; and

(c) an application must be delivered to the registrar of companies in accordance with section 37C together with the other documents required by that section.

(2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(b) are that—

(a) where no application under section 37A for cancellation of the special resolutions has been made—

(i) having regard to the number of members who consented to or voted in favour of the resolutions, no such application may be made, or

(ii) the period within which such an application could be made has expired, or

(b) where such an application has been made—

(i) the application has been withdrawn, or

(ii) an order has been made confirming the resolutions and a copy of that order has been delivered to the registrar.

(3) Section 30 of the Companies Act 2006 (copies of resolutions to be forwarded to the registrar) applies to the special resolutions as follows—

(a) that section is complied with by forwarding copies of the resolutions together with the application in accordance with section 37C,

(b) copies of the resolutions must not be so forwarded before the relevant date, and

(c) subsection (1) of that section has effect in relation to the resolutions as if it referred to 15 days after the relevant date.

(4) The relevant date is—

(a) if an application is made under section 37A for cancellation of the special resolutions—

(i) the date on which the court determines the application (or if there is more than one application, the date on which the last to be determined by the court is determined), or

(ii) such later date as the court may order;

(b) if there is no such application—

(i) if having regard to the number of members who consented to or voted in favour of the resolutions, no such application may be made, the date on which the resolutions were passed or made (or, if the resolutions were passed or made on different days, the date on which the last of them was passed or made);

(ii) in any other case, the end of the period for making such an application.

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 37-37C substituted for s. 37 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 227(1) (with art. 10)

37A. Becoming a community interest company: application to court to cancel resolutions E+W+S

(1) Where special resolutions have been passed with a view to the company becoming a community interest company, an application to the court for the cancellation of the resolutions may be made—

(a) by the holders of not less in the aggregate than 15% in nominal value of the company’s issued share capital or any class of the company’s issued share capital (disregarding any shares held by the company as treasury shares);

(b) if the company is not limited by shares, by not less than 15% of its members; or

(c) by the holders of not less than 15% of the company’s debentures entitling the holders to object to an alteration of its objects;

but not by a person who has consented to or voted in favour of the resolutions.

(2) The application—

(a) must be made within 28 days after the date on which the resolutions are passed or made (or, if the resolutions are passed or made on different days, the date on which the last of them is passed or made), and

(b) may be made on behalf of the persons entitled to make it by such one or more of their number as they may appoint for the purpose.

(3) On the hearing of the application the court shall make an order either cancelling or confirming the resolutions.

(4) The court may—

(a) make that order on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit,

(b) if it thinks fit adjourn the proceedings in order that an arrangement may be made to the satisfaction of the court for the purchase of the interests of dissentient members, and

(c) give such directions, and make such orders, as it thinks expedient for facilitating or carrying into effect any such arrangement.

(5) The court’s order may, if the court thinks fit—

(a) provide for the purchase by the company of the shares of any of its members and for the reduction accordingly of the company’s capital; and

(b) make such alteration in the company’s articles as may be required in consequence of that provision.

(6) The court’s order may, if the court thinks fit, require the company not to make any, or any specified, amendments to its articles without the leave of the court.

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 37-37C substituted for s. 37 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 227(1) (with art. 10)

37B. Becoming a community interest company: notice to registrar of court application or order E+W+S

(1) On making an application under section 37A (application to court to cancel resolutions) the applicants, or the person making the application on their behalf, must immediately give notice to the registrar of companies.

This is without prejudice to any provision of rules of court as to service of notice of the application.

(2) On being served with notice of any such application, the company must immediately give notice to the registrar.

(3) Within 15 days of the making of the court’s order on the application, or such longer period as the court may at any time direct, the company must deliver to the registrar a copy of the order.

(4) If a company fails to comply with subsection (2) or (3) an offence is committed by—

(a) the company, and

(b) every officer of the company who is in default.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding one-tenth of level 3 on the standard scale.

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 37-37C substituted for s. 37 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 227(1) (with art. 10)

37C. Becoming a community interest company: application and accompanying documents E+W+S

(1) An application to become a community interest company must be accompanied by—

(a) a copy of the special resolutions,

(b) a copy of the company’s articles as proposed to be amended, and

(c) the prescribed conversion documents.

(2) The “prescribed conversion documents” means such declarations or statements as are required by regulations to accompany the application, in such form as may be approved in accordance with the regulations.

(3) On receiving an application to become a community interest company together with the other documents required to accompany it, the registrar of companies must (instead of recording the documents and entering a new name on the register)—

(a) forward a copy of each of the documents to the Regulator, and

(b) retain the documents pending the Regulator’s decision.]

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 37-37C substituted for s. 37 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 227(1) (with art. 10)

[F24 38 Becoming a community interest company: decision by Regulator E+W+S

(1) The Regulator must decide whether the company is eligible to become a community interest company.

(2) A company is eligible to become a community interest company if—

(a) its articles as proposed to be amended comply with the requirements imposed by and by virtue of section 32,

(b) its proposed name complies with section 33, and

(c) the Regulator, having regard to the application and accompanying documents and any other relevant considerations, considers that the company—

(i) will satisfy the community interest test, and

(ii) is not an excluded company.

(3) The Regulator must give notice of the decision to the registrar of companies (but the registrar is not required to record it).

Textual Amendments

F24 Ss. 38, 38A substituted for s. 38 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 227(2) (with art. 10)

38A. Becoming a community interest company: implementation of decision on eligibility E+W+S

(1) If the Regulator gives notice of a decision that the company is eligible to become a community interest company, the registrar of companies must—

(a) proceed in accordance with section 80 of the Companies Act 2006 (change of name: registration and issue of new certificate of incorporation), and

(b) if the registrar enters the new name of the company on the register, retain and record the documents mentioned in section 37C(3).

(2) The new certificate of incorporation must state—

(a) that it is issued on the company’s conversion to a community interest company,

(b) the date on which it is issued, and

(c) that the company is a community interest company.

(3) On the issue of the certificate—

(a) the company by virtue of the issue of the certificate becomes a community interest company, and

(b) the changes in the company’s name and articles take effect.

(4) The certificate is conclusive evidence that the company is a community interest company.

(5) If the Regulator decides that the company is not eligible to become a community interest company, the company may appeal to the Appeal Officer against the decision.]

Textual Amendments

F24 Ss. 38, 38A substituted for s. 38 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 227(2) (with art. 10)

39 [F25 Becoming a community interest company: English charities] E+W+S

(1) A [F26 company that is an English charity] may not [F27 become a community interest company] without the prior written consent of the [F28 Charity Commission].

(2) If a [F26 company that is an English charity] contravenes subsection (1), the [F28 Charity Commission] may apply to the High Court for an order quashing any altered certificate of incorporation issued under [F29 section 38A] .

(3) If a [F26 company that is an English charity] becomes a community interest company, that does not affect the application of—

(a) any property acquired under any disposition or agreement previously made otherwise than for full consideration in money or money’s worth, or any property representing property so acquired,

(b) any property representing income which has previously accrued, or

(c) the income from any such property.

F30 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 39 heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 228(2) (with art. 10)

F26 Words in s. 39 substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 9(b) (with art. 11(1))

F27 Words in s. 39(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 228(3) (with art. 10)

F28 Words in s. 39(1)(2) substituted (27.2.2007) by Charities Act 2006 (c. 50), s. 79(2), Sch. 8 para. 201; S.I. 2007/309, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2007/309, art. 2, Sch.

F29 Words in s. 39(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 228(4) (with art. 10)

F30 S. 39(4) omitted (6.4.2007) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 9(d) (with art. 11(1))

Commencement Information

I11 S. 39 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

40 [F31 Becoming a community interest company: Scottish charities] E+W+S

(1) [F32 A [F33 company that is a Scottish charity] may not become a community interest company.]

(2) [F32 If a [F33 company that is a Scottish charity] purports by special resolution to change its name to comply with section 33, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue may apply to the Court of Session for an order quashing any altered certificate of incorporation issued under section 28(6) of [F34 the 1985 Act].]

(3) Regulations may repeal subsections (1) and (2); and subsections (4) to (7) have effect on and after the day on which regulations under this subsection come into force.

(4) A [F33 Scottish charitable company] may not [F35 become a community interest company] without the prior written consent—

(a) if the company’s registered office is situated in Scotland, of the Scottish Charity Regulator, or

(b) if the company’s registered office is situated in England and Wales (or Wales), of both the Scottish Charity Regulator and the [F36 Charity Commission].

(5) If a [F33 company that is a Scottish charity] contravenes subsection (4)(a), the Scottish Charity Regulator may apply to the Court of Session for an order quashing any altered certificate of incorporation issued under [F37 section 38A].

(6) If a [F33 company that is a Scottish charity] contravenes subsection (4)(b), the Scottish Charity Regulator or the [F38 Charity Commission] may apply to the High Court for such an order.

(7) If a [F33 company that is a Scottish charity] becomes a community interest company, [F39 it shall continue to be under a duty to apply–

(a) any property previously acquired, or any property representing property previously acquired,

(b) any property representing income which has previously accrued, or

(c) the income from any such property.

in accordance with its purposes as set out in its entry in the Scottish Charity Register immediately before it became a community interest company.]

F40 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F41 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 40 heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 229(2) (with art. 10)

F32 S. 40(1)(2) repealed (E.W.S.) (1.10.2009) by The Community Interest Company (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/1942), regs. 1(1), 2

F33 Words in s. 40 substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 10(a) (with art. 11(1))

F34 Words in s. 40(2) substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 10(b) (with art. 11(1))

F35 Words in s. 40(4) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 229(3) (with art. 10)

F36 Words in s. 40(4)(b) substituted (27.2.2007) by Charities Act 2006 (c. 50), s. 79(2), Sch. 8 para. 202; S.I. 2007/309, art. 2, Sch.

F37 Words in s. 40(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 229(4) (with art. 10)

F38 Words in s. 40(6) substituted (27.2.2007) by Charities Act 2006 (c. 50), s. 79(2), Sch. 8 para. 202; S.I. 2007/309, art. 2, Sch.

F39 Words in s. 40(7) substituted (1.4.2006) by Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/242), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 8(3)(a)

F40 S. 40(8) omitted (6.4.2007) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 10(c) (with art. 11(1))

F41 S. 40(9) repealed (1.4.2006) by Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/242), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 8(3)(c)

Commencement Information

I12 S. 40 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

[F42 40A. [F43 Becoming a community interest company: Northern Ireland charities] E+W+S

(1) A company that is a Northern Ireland charity may not become a community interest company.

(2) If a company that is a Northern Ireland charity purports [F44 to become a community interest company] , the Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs may apply to the High Court for an order quashing any altered certificate of incorporation under [F45 section 38A]. ]

Textual Amendments

F42 S. 40A inserted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 11 (with art. 11(1))

F43 S. 40A heading substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 230(2) (with art. 10)

F44 Words in s. 40A(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 230(3)(a) (with art. 10)

F45 Words in s. 40A(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 230(3)(b) (with art. 10)

Supervision by Regulator E+W+S

41 Conditions for exercise of supervisory powers E+W+S

(1) In deciding whether and how to exercise the powers conferred by sections 42 to 51 the Regulator must adopt an approach which is based on the principle that those powers should be exercised only to the extent necessary to maintain confidence in community interest companies.

(2) No power conferred on the Regulator by—

(a) section 45 (appointment of director),

(b) section 46 (removal of director),

(c) section 47 (appointment of manager), or

(d) section 48 (property),

is exercisable in relation to a community interest company unless the company default condition is satisfied in relation to the power and the company.

(3) The company default condition is satisfied in relation to a power and a company if it appears to the Regulator necessary to exercise the power in relation to the company because—

(a) there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the company,

(b) there is a need to protect the company’s property or to secure the proper application of that property,

(c) the company is not satisfying the community interest test, or

(d) if the company has community interest objects, the company is not carrying on any activities in pursuit of those objects.

(4) The power conferred on the Regulator by section 49 (transfer of shares etc.) is not exercisable in relation to a community interest company unless it appears to the Regulator that the company is an excluded company.

Commencement Information

I13 S. 41 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

42 Investigation E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may—

(a) investigate the affairs of a community interest company, or

(b) appoint any person (other than a member of the Regulator’s staff) to investigate the affairs of a community interest company on behalf of the Regulator.

(2) Subsection (1)(b) is in addition to paragraph 5 of Schedule 3 (powers of Regulator exercisable by authorised members of staff) and does not affect the application of that paragraph to the Regulator’s power under subsection (1)(a).

(3) Schedule 7 (further provision about investigations under this section) has effect.

Commencement Information

I14 S. 42 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

43 Audit E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may by order require a community interest company to allow the annual accounts of the company to be audited by a qualified auditor appointed by the Regulator.

(2) A person is a qualified auditor if he is eligible for appointment [F46 as a statutory auditor under Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006] .

(3) [F47 Sections 499 to 501 of the Companies Act 2006] (auditor’s rights to information) apply in relation to an auditor appointed under this section F48 ...

(4) On completion of the audit the auditor must make a report to the Regulator on such matters and in such form as the Regulator specifies.

(5) The expenses of the audit, including the remuneration of the auditor, are to be paid by the Regulator.

(6) An audit under this section is in addition to, and does not affect, any audit required by or by virtue of any other enactment.

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in s. 43(2) substituted (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 31 (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F47 Words in s. 43(3) substituted (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(3) (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F48 Words in s. 43(3) repealed (1.10.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No.3, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2194), art. 1(3)(a), Sch. 4 para. 106, Sch. 5 (with art. 12)

Commencement Information

I15 S. 43 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

44 Civil proceedings E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may bring civil proceedings in the name and on behalf of a community interest company.

(2) Before instituting proceedings under this section the Regulator must give written notice to the company stating—

(a) the cause of action,

(b) the remedy sought, and

(c) a summary of the facts on which the proceedings are to be based.

(3) Any director of the company may apply to the court for an order—

(a) that proposed proceedings are not to be instituted under this section, or

(b) that proceedings instituted under this section are to be discontinued.

(4) On an application under subsection (3) the court may make such order as it thinks fit.

(5) In particular the court may (as an alternative to ordering that proposed proceedings are not to be instituted under this section or that proceedings instituted under this section are to be discontinued) order—

(a) that the proposed proceedings may be instituted under this section, or the proceedings instituted under this section may be continued, on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit,

(b) that any proceedings instituted by the company are to be discontinued, or

(c) that any proceedings instituted by the company may be continued on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.

(6) The Regulator must indemnify the company against any costs (or expenses) incurred by it in connection with proceedings brought under this section.

(7) Any costs (or expenses)—

(a) awarded to the company in connection with proceedings brought under this section, or

(b) incurred by the company in connection with the proceedings and which it is agreed should be paid by a defendant (or defender),

are to be paid to the Regulator.

Commencement Information

I16 S. 44 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

45 Appointment of director E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may by order appoint a director of a community interest company.

(2) The person appointed may be anyone whom the Regulator thinks appropriate, other than a member of the Regulator’s staff.

(3) A person may be appointed as a director of a company under this section—

(a) whether or not the person is a member of the company, and

(b) irrespective of any provision made by the [F49 articles] of the company or a resolution of the company F50 ....

(4) An order appointing a person to be a director of a company under this section must specify the terms on which the director is to hold office; and those terms have effect as if contained in a contract between the director and the company.

(5) The terms specified must include the period for which the director is to hold office, and may include terms as to the remuneration of the director by the company.

(6) A director appointed under this section has all the powers of the directors appointed by the company (including powers exercisable only by a particular director or class of directors).

(7) A director appointed under this section may not be removed by the company, but may be removed by the Regulator at any time.

(8) Where—

(a) a person is appointed to be a director of the company under this section, or

(b) a person so appointed ceases to be a director of the company,

the obligation which would otherwise be imposed on the company under [F51 section 167(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2006] (requirement that company notify change among directors to registrar) is instead an obligation of the Regulator.

(9) But if subsection (10) applies, [F52 section 167(1)(a)] applies as if the period within which the Regulator must send a notification to the registrar of companies is 14 days from the date on which the Regulator receives notification under that subsection.

(10) Where a person appointed to be a director of the company under this section ceases to be a director of the company (otherwise than by removal under subsection (7)), the company must give notification of that fact to the Regulator in a form approved by the Regulator before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date on which the person ceases to be a director.

[F53 (11) If default is made in complying with subsection (10) an offence is committed by—

(a) the company, and

(b) every officer of the company who is in default.

For this purpose a shadow director is treated as an officer of the company.

(12) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (11) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding [F54 one-tenth of level 5 on the standard scale] [F54 one-tenth of the greater of £5,000 or level 4 on the standard scale] .]

(13) The company may appeal to the Appeal Officer against an order under this section.

Textual Amendments

F49 Word in s. 45(3)(b) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 231(2) (with art. 10)

F50 Words in s. 45(3)(b) repealed (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(4), Sch. 2 (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F51 Words in s. 45(8) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 231(3) (with art. 10)

F52 Words in s. 45(9) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 231(4) (with art. 10)

F53 S. 45(11)(12) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 231(5) (with art. 10)

F54 Words in s. 45(12) substituted (E.W.) (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 8 (with reg. 5(1))

Commencement Information

I17 S. 45 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

46 Removal of director E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may by order remove a director of a community interest company.

(2) If a person has been removed under subsection (1)—

(a) the company may not subsequently appoint him a director of the company, and

(b) any assignment to the person of the office of director of the company is of no effect (even if approved by special resolution of the company).

(3) The Regulator may by order suspend a director of the company pending a decision whether to remove him.

(4) The maximum period for which a director may be suspended under subsection (3) is one year.

(5) If the Regulator suspends a director under subsection (3) the Regulator may give directions in relation to the performance of the director’s functions.

(6) The Regulator may discharge an order made under subsection (1).

(7) The discharge of an order made under subsection (1) does not reinstate the person removed by the order as a director of the company, but on the discharge of the order subsection (2) ceases to apply to the person.

(8) The Regulator must from time to time review any order made under subsection (3) and, if it is appropriate to do so, discharge the order.

(9) Before making an order under subsection (1) or (3) in relation to a director, the Regulator must give at least 14 days' notice to—

(a) the director, and

(b) the company.

(10) Where an order is made in relation to a director under subsection (1) or (3) the director may appeal against the order—

(a) in England and Wales [F55 or Northern Ireland], to the High Court, or

(b) in Scotland, to the Court of Session.

(11) The Regulator must, before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date on which—

(a) an order under subsection (1) is made or discharged,

(b) an order under subsection (3) is made or discharged or expires, or

(c) an order under subsection (1) or (3) is quashed on appeal,

give notification of that event to the registrar of companies in a form approved by the registrar of companies.

(12) Where subsection (11) imposes an obligation to notify the registrar of companies of an event, [F56 section 167(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2006] (requirement that company notify change among directors to registrar) does not apply in respect of the event.

Textual Amendments

F55 Words in s. 46(10)(a) inserted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 14(a) (with art. 11(1))

F56 Words in s. 46(12) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 232 (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I18 S. 46 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

47 Appointment of manager E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may by order appoint a manager in respect of the property and affairs of a community interest company.

(2) The person appointed may be anyone whom the Regulator thinks appropriate, other than a member of the Regulator’s staff.

(3) An order under subsection (1) may make provision as to the functions to be exercised by, and the powers of, the manager.

(4) The order may in particular provide—

(a) for the manager to have such of the functions of the company’s directors as are specified in the order, and

(b) for the company’s directors to be prevented from exercising any of those functions.

(5) In carrying out his functions the manager acts as the company’s agent; and a person dealing with the manager in good faith and for value need not inquire whether the manager is acting within his powers.

(6) The appointment of the manager does not affect—

(a) any right of any person to appoint a receiver or manager of the company’s property (including any right under section 51 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45) [F57 (power to appoint receiver under law of Scotland)]), or

(b) the rights of a receiver or manager appointed by a person other than the Regulator.

(7) The manager’s functions are to be discharged by him under the supervision of the Regulator; and the Regulator must from time to time review the order by which the manager is appointed and, if it is appropriate to do so, discharge it in whole or in part.

(8) In particular, the Regulator must discharge the order on the appointment of a person to act as administrative receiver, administrator, provisional liquidator or liquidator of the company.

(9) The Regulator may apply to the court for directions in relation to any matter arising in connection with the manager’s functions or powers.

(10) On an application under subsection (9) the court may give such directions or make such orders as it thinks fit.

(11) The costs of any application under subsection (9) are to be paid by the company.

(12) Regulations may authorise the Regulator—

(a) to require a manager to make reports,

(b) to require a manager to give security (or, in Scotland, to find caution) for the due exercise of the manager’s functions, and

(c) to remove a manager in circumstances prescribed by the regulations.

(13) Regulations may—

(a) provide for a manager’s remuneration to be payable from the property of the company, and

(b) authorise the Regulator to determine the amount of a manager’s remuneration and to disallow any amount of remuneration in circumstances prescribed by the regulations.

(14) The company may appeal to the Appeal Officer against an order under this section.

Textual Amendments

F57 Words in s. 47(6)(a) inserted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 15 (with art. 11(1))

Commencement Information

I19 S. 47 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

48 Property E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may by order—

(a) vest in the Official Property Holder any property held by or in trust for a community interest company, or

(b) require persons in whom such property is vested to transfer it to the Official Property Holder.

(2) The Regulator—

(a) may order a person who holds property on behalf of a community interest company, or on behalf of a trustee of a community interest company, not to part with the property without the Regulator’s consent, and

(b) may order any debtor of a community interest company not to make any payment in respect of the debtor’s liability to the company without the Regulator’s consent.

(3) The Regulator may by order restrict—

(a) the transactions which may be entered into by a community interest company, or

(b) the nature or amount of the payments that a community interest company may make,

and the order may in particular provide that transactions may not be entered into or payments made without the Regulator’s consent.

(4) The vesting or transfer of property under subsection (1) does not constitute a breach of a covenant or condition against alienation, and no right listed in subsection (5) operates or becomes exercisable as a result of the vesting or transfer.

(5) The rights are—

(a) a right of reverter (or, in Scotland, the right of the fiar on the termination of a liferent),

(b) a right of pre-emption,

(c) a right of forfeiture,

(d) a right of re-entry,

(e) a right of irritancy,

(f) an option, and

(g) any right similar to those listed in paragraphs (a) to (f).

(6) The Regulator must from time to time review any order under this section and, if it is appropriate to do so, discharge the order in whole or in part.

(7) On discharging an order under subsection (1) the Regulator may make any order as to the vesting or transfer of the property, and give any directions, which he considers appropriate.

(8) If a person fails to comply with an order under subsection (1)(b), the Regulator may certify that fact in writing to the court.

(9) If, after hearing—

(a) any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the alleged offender, and

(b) any statement which may be offered in defence,

the court is satisfied that the offender failed without reasonable excuse to comply with the order, it may deal with him as if he had been guilty of contempt of the court.

(10) A person who contravenes an order under subsection (2) or (3) commits an offence, but a prosecution may be instituted[F58 —

(a) in England and Wales, only with the consent of the Regulator or the Director of Public Prosecutions;

(b) in Northern Ireland, only with the consent of the Regulator or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.]

(11) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (10) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(12) Subsections (8) to (10) do not prevent the bringing of civil proceedings in respect of a contravention of an order under subsection (1)(b), (2) or (3).

(13) The company and any person to whom the order is directed may appeal to the Appeal Officer against an order under subsection (1) or (2).

(14) The company may appeal to the Appeal Officer against an order under subsection (3).

Textual Amendments

F58 Words in s. 48(10) substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 16 (with art. 11(1))

Commencement Information

I20 S. 48 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

49 Transfer of shares etc. E+W+S

(1) If a community interest company has a share capital, the Regulator may by order transfer specified shares in the company to specified persons.

(2) If a community interest company is a company limited by guarantee, the Regulator may by order—

(a) extinguish the interests in the company of specified members of the company (otherwise than as shareholders), and

(b) appoint a new member in place of each member whose interest has been extinguished.

(3) An order under subsection (1) may not transfer any shares in respect of which—

(a) a dividend may be paid, or

(b) a distribution of the company’s assets may be made if the company is wound up.

(4) An order under this section in relation to a company—

(a) may only transfer shares to, and appoint as new members, persons who have consented to the transfer or appointment, and

(b) may be made irrespective of any provision made by the [F59 articles] of the company or a resolution of the company in general meeting.

(5) The company and any person from whom shares are transferred by the order may appeal to the Appeal Officer against an order under subsection (1).

(6) The company and any person whose interest is extinguished by the order may appeal to the Appeal Officer against an order under subsection (2).

(7) “Specified”, in relation to an order, means specified in the order.

Textual Amendments

F59 Word in s. 49(4)(b) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 233 (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I21 S. 49 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

50 Petition for winding up E+W+S

(1) The Regulator may present a petition for a community interest company to be wound up if the court is of the opinion that it is just and equitable that the company should be wound up.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the company is already being wound up by the court.

(3) In section 124 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45) (application for winding up), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) A winding-up petition may be presented by the Regulator of Community Interest Companies in a case falling within section 50 of the Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004.”

Commencement Information

I22 S. 50 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

51 Dissolution and striking off E+W+S

[F60 (1) If a community interest company has been—

(a) dissolved, or

(b) struck off the register under section 1000 or 1001 of the Companies Act 2006,

the Regulator may apply to the court under section 1029 of that Act for an order restoring the company’s name to the register.]

F60 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) If an application under [F61 section 1003 of the Companies Act 2006 (striking off on application by company)] is made on behalf of a community interest company, [F62 section 1006 of the Companies Act 2006] (persons to be notified of application) is to be treated as also requiring a copy of the application to be given to the Regulator.

Textual Amendments

F60 S. 51(1) substituted for s. 51(1)(2) (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(2) (with art. 10)

F61 Words in s. 51(3) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(3)(a) (with art. 10)

F62 Words in s. 51(3) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(3)(b) (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I23 S. 51 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

Change of status E+W+S

52 Re-registration E+W+S

(1) A community interest company is excluded from re-registering under [F63 section 102 of the Companies Act 2006] (re-registration of limited company as unlimited).

(2) If a community interest company which is not a public company re-registers as a public company under [F64 section 90 of the Companies Act 2006] , or a community interest company which is a public company re-registers as a private company under [F65 section 97 of the Companies Act 2006] , the certificate of incorporation issued under [F66 section 96(2) or 101(2) of the Companies Act 2006] is to contain a statement that the company is a community interest company.

(3) The fact that the certificate of incorporation contains such a statement is conclusive evidence that the company is a community interest company.

Textual Amendments

F63 Words in s. 52(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 235(2) (with art. 10)

F64 Words in s. 52(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 235(3)(a) (with art. 10)

F65 Words in s. 52(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 235(3)(b) (with art. 10)

F66 Words in s. 52(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 235(3)(c) (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I24 S. 52 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

53 Ceasing to be a community interest company E+W+S

A community interest company may not cease to be a community interest company except by dissolution or as provided—

(a) by [F67 sections 54 to 55A] (becoming a charity F68 ...), or

(b) if regulations are made under section 56 (becoming [F69 a registered society] ), by the regulations.

Textual Amendments

F67 Words in s. 53(a) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 236 (with art. 10)

F68 Words in s. 53(a) repealed (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 234(5), Sch. 2 (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F69 Words in s. 53(b) substituted (1.8.2014) by Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (c. 14), s. 154, Sch. 4 para. 89 (with Sch. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29 Ss. 53-55 power to apply or disapply conferred by 1993 c. 10, s. 69J (as inserted (27.2.2007) by Charities Act 2006 (c. 50), s. 79(2), Sch. 7 para. 1; S.I. 2007/309, art. 2, Sch.)

C30 Ss. 53-55 power to apply (with modifications) or disapply conferred (E.W.) (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), ss. 234(2)(a), 355 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

Commencement Information

I25 S. 53 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

[F70 54 Ceasing to be a community interest company and becoming a charity E+W+S

(1) If a company is to cease to be a community interest company and become a charity—

(a) the company must by special resolution—

(i) state that it is to cease to be a community interest company,

(ii) make such alterations of its articles as it considers appropriate, and

(iii) change its name so that it does not comply with section 33;

(b) the conditions specified below must be met; and

(c) an application must be delivered to the registrar of companies in accordance with section 54C together with the other documents required by that section.

(2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(b) are that—

(a) where no application under section 54A for cancellation of the special resolutions has been made—

(i) having regard to the number of members who consented to or voted in favour of the resolutions, no such application may be made, or

(ii) the period within which such an application could be made has expired, or

(b) where such an application has been made—

(i) the application has been withdrawn, or

(ii) an order has been made confirming the resolutions and a copy of that order has been delivered to the registrar.

(3) Section 30 of the Companies Act 2006 (copies of resolutions to be forwarded to the registrar) applies to the special resolutions as follows—

(a) that section is complied with by forwarding copies of the resolutions together with the application in accordance with section 54C,

(b) copies of the resolutions must not be so forwarded before the relevant date, and

(c) subsection (1) of that section has effect in relation to the resolutions as if it referred to 15 days after the relevant date.

(4) The relevant date is—

(a) if an application is made under section 54A for cancellation of the resolutions—

(i) the date on which the court determines the application (or if there is more than one application, the date on which the last to be determined by the court is determined), or

(ii) such later date as the court may order;

(b) if there is no such application—

(i) if having regard to the number of members who consented to or voted in favour of the resolutions, no such application may be made, the date on which the resolutions were passed or made (or, if the resolutions were passed or made on different days, the date on which the last of them was passed or made);

(ii) in any other case, the end of the period for making such an application.

Textual Amendments

F70 Ss. 54-54C substituted for s. 54 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 237(1) (with art. 10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 Ss. 53-55 power to apply (with modifications) or disapply conferred (E.W.) (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), ss. 234(2)(a), 355 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

54A. Ceasing to be a community interest company and becoming a charity: application to court to cancel resolutions E+W+S

(1) Where special resolutions have been passed with a view to a company ceasing to be a community interest company and becoming a charity, an application to the court for the cancellation of the resolutions may be made—

(a) by the holders of not less in the aggregate than 15% in nominal value of the company’s issued share capital or any class of the company’s issued share capital (disregarding any shares held by the company as treasury shares);

(b) if the company is not limited by shares, by not less than 15% of its members; or

(c) by the holders of not less than 15% of the company’s debentures entitling the holders to object to an alteration of its objects;

but not by a person who has consented to or voted in favour of the resolutions.

(2) The application—

(a) must be made within 28 days after the date on which the resolutions were passed or made (or, if the resolutions were passed or made on different days, the date on which the last of them was passed or made), and

(b) may be made on behalf of the persons entitled to make it by such one or more of their number as they may appoint for the purpose.

(3) On the hearing of the application the court shall make an order either cancelling or confirming the resolutions.

(4) The court may—

(a) make that order on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit,

(b) if it thinks fit adjourn the proceedings in order that an arrangement may be made to the satisfaction of the court for the purchase of the interests of dissentient members, and

(c) give such directions, and make such orders, as it thinks expedient for facilitating or carrying into effect any such arrangement.

(5) The court’s order may, if the court thinks fit—

(a) provide for the purchase by the company of the shares of any of its members and for the reduction accordingly of the company’s capital; and

(b) make such alteration in the company’s articles as may be required in consequence of that provision.

(6) The court’s order may, if the court thinks fit, require the company not to make any, or any specified, amendments to its articles without the leave of the court.

Textual Amendments

F70 Ss. 54-54C substituted for s. 54 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 237(1) (with art. 10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 Ss. 53-55 power to apply (with modifications) or disapply conferred (E.W.) (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), ss. 234(2)(a), 355 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

54B. Ceasing to be a community interest company and becoming a charity: notice to registrar of court application or order E+W+S

(1) On making an application under section 54A (application to court to cancel resolutions) the applicants, or the person making the application on their behalf, must immediately give notice to the registrar of companies.

This is without prejudice to any provision of rules of court as to service of notice of the application.

(2) On being served with notice of any such application, the company must immediately give notice to the registrar.

(3) Within 15 days of the making of the court’s order on the application, or such longer period as the court may at any time direct, the company must deliver to the registrar a copy of the order.

(4) If a company fails to comply with subsection (2) or (3) an offence is committed by—

(a) the company, and

(b) every officer of the company who is in default.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale and, for continued contravention, a daily default fine not exceeding one-tenth of level 3 on the standard scale.

Textual Amendments

F70 Ss. 54-54C substituted for s. 54 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 237(1) (with art. 10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 Ss. 53-55 power to apply (with modifications) or disapply conferred (E.W.) (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), ss. 234(2)(a), 355 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

54C. Ceasing to be a community interest company and becoming a charity: application and accompanying documents E+W+S

(1) An application to cease to be a community interest company and become a charity must be accompanied by—

(a) a copy of the special resolutions,

(b) a copy of the company’s articles as proposed to be amended, and

(c) the statement required by subsection (2).

(2) The statement required is—

(a) where the company is to become an English charity, a statement by the Charity Commission that, in its opinion, if the proposed changes take effect the company will be an English charity and will not be an exempt charity;

(b) where the company is to become a Scottish charity, a statement by the Scottish Charity Regulator that if the proposed changes take effect the company will be entered in the Scottish Charity Register;

(c) where the company is to become a Northern Ireland charity, a statement by the Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs that the company has claimed exemption under [F71 a relevant provision of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010].

(3) In subsection (2)(a) [F72 exempt charity” has the same meaning as in the Charities Act 2011 (see section 22 of that Act).]

[F73 (3A) For the purposes of subsection (2)(c) all the provisions of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 under which exemption may be claimed are relevant provisions except—

(a) section 480 (exemption for profits of small-scale trades), and

(b) section 481 (exemption from charges under provisions to which section 1173 applies).]

(4) On receiving an application to cease to be a community interest company and become a charity, together with the other documents required to accompany it, the registrar of companies must (instead of recording the documents and entering a new name on the register)—

(a) forward a copy of each of the documents to the Regulator, and

(b) retain the documents pending the Regulator’s decision.]

Textual Amendments

F70 Ss. 54-54C substituted for s. 54 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 237(1) (with art. 10)

F71 Words in s. 54C(2)(c) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), s. 1184(1), Sch. 1 para. 439(2) (with Sch. 2)

F72 Words in s. 54C(3) substituted (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), s. 355, Sch. 7 para. 98 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

F73 S. 54C(3A) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), s. 1184(1), Sch. 1 para. 439(3) (with Sch. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 Ss. 53-55 power to apply (with modifications) or disapply conferred (E.W.) (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), ss. 234(2)(a), 355 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

[F74 55 Ceasing to be a community interest company and becoming a charity: decision by Regulator E+W+S

(1) The Regulator must decide whether the company is eligible to cease being a community interest company.

(2) A company is eligible to cease being a community interest company if it has complied with sections 54 and 54C and none of the following applies—

(a) the Regulator has under section 43 appointed an auditor to audit the company’s annual accounts and the audit has not been completed,

(b) civil proceedings instituted by the Regulator in the name of the company under section 44 have not been determined or discontinued,

(c) a director of the company holds office by virtue of an order under section 45,

(d) a director of the company is suspended under section 46(3),

(e) there is a manager in respect of the property and affairs of the company appointed under section 47,

(f) the Official Property Holder holds property as trustee for the company,

(g) an order under section 48(2) or (3) is in force in relation to the company,

(h) a petition has been presented for the company to be wound up.

(3) The Regulator must give notice of the decision to the registrar of companies (but the registrar is not required to record it).

Textual Amendments

F74 Ss. 55, 55A substituted for s. 55 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 237(2) (with art. 10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 Ss. 53-55 power to apply (with modifications) or disapply conferred (E.W.) (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), ss. 234(2)(a), 355 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

55A. Ceasing to be a community interest company and becoming a charity : consequences of Regulator’s decision E+W+S

(1) If the Regulator gives notice of a decision that the company is eligible to cease being a community interest company, the registrar of companies must—

(a) proceed in accordance with section 80 of the Companies Act 2006 (change of name: registration and issue of new certificate of incorporation), and

(b) if the registrar enters the new name of the company on the register, retain and record the documents mentioned in section 54C(4).

(2) The new certificate of incorporation must state—

(a) that it is issued on the company’s ceasing to be a community interest company, and

(b) the date on which it is issued.

(3) On the issue of the certificate—

(a) the changes in the company’s name and articles take effect, and

(b) the company ceases to be a community interest company.

(4) If the Regulator decides that the company is not eligible to cease being a community interest company, the company may appeal to the Appeal Officer against the decision.]

Textual Amendments

F74 Ss. 55, 55A substituted for s. 55 (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 237(2) (with art. 10)

56 Becoming [F75 a registered society] E+W+S

(1) Unless regulations make provision to the contrary, a community interest company may not convert itself into a registered society under [F76 section 115 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014] [F77 or section 62 of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 1969].

(2) If regulations make provision allowing the conversion of community interest companies under that section they may include provision modifying that section in its application by virtue of the regulations.

Textual Amendments

F75 Words in s. 56 heading substituted (1.8.2014) by Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (c. 14), s. 154, Sch. 4 para. 90(3) (with Sch. 5)

F76 Words in s. 56(1) substituted (1.8.2014) by Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (c. 14), s. 154, Sch. 4 para. 90(2) (with Sch. 5)

F77 Words in s. 56(1) inserted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with art. 11(1))

Commencement Information

I26 S. 56 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

Supplementary E+W+S

57 Fees E+W+S

(1) Regulations may require the payment of such fees in connection with the Regulator’s functions as may be specified in the regulations.

(2) The regulations may provide for fees to be paid to the registrar of companies (rather than to the Regulator).

(3) The Regulator may charge a fee for any service which is provided otherwise than in pursuance of an obligation imposed by law, other than the provision of guidance which the Regulator considers to be of general interest.

(4) Fees paid by virtue of this section are to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Commencement Information

I27 S. 57 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

F78 58 Extension of provisions about registrar etc. E+W+S

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

Textual Amendments

F78 S. 58 omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 238 (with art. 10)

59 Information E+W+S

(1) Regulations may require the registrar of companies—

(a) to notify the Regulator of matters specified in the regulations, and

(b) to provide the Regulator with copies of documents specified in the regulations.

(2) After section 71 of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66) insert—

“71A Further duty of Accountant in Bankruptcy

The Accountant in Bankruptcy shall, on receiving any notice under section 109(1) of the Insolvency Act 1986 in relation to a community interest company, forward a copy of that notice to the Regulator of Community Interest Companies.”

(3) In section 31(2) of the Data Protection Act 1998 (c. 29) (restricted access to data processed for specified purposes)—

(a) in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d), after “charities” insert “ or community interest companies ”, and

(b) in paragraph (b), after “trustees” insert “ , directors ”.

(4) A public authority may disclose to the Regulator, for any purpose connected with the exercise of the Regulator’s functions, information received by the authority in connection with its functions.

(5) The Regulator may disclose to a public authority any information received by the Regulator in connection with the functions of the Regulator—

(a) for a purpose connected with the exercise of those functions, or

(b) for a purpose connected with the exercise by the authority of its functions.

(6) In deciding whether to disclose information to a public authority in a country or territory outside the United Kingdom the Regulator must have regard to the considerations listed in section 243(6) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (overseas disclosures), but as if the reference to information of a kind to which section 237 of that Act applies were to information of the kind the Regulator is considering disclosing.

(7) The powers to disclose information in subsections (4) and (5) are subject to—

(a) any restriction on disclosure imposed by or by virtue of an enactment, and

(b) any express restriction on disclosure subject to which information was supplied.

(8) Information may be disclosed under subsection (4) or (5) subject to a restriction on its further disclosure.

(9) A person who discloses information in contravention of a restriction imposed under subsection (8) is guilty of an offence, but a prosecution may be instituted[F79 —

(a) in England and Wales, only with the consent of the Regulator or the Director of Public Prosecutions;

(b) in Northern Ireland, only with the consent of the Regulator or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.]

(10) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (9) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(11) “Public authority” means a person or body having functions of a public nature.

Textual Amendments

F79 Words in s. 59(9) substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 23 (with art. 11(1))

Commencement Information

I28 S. 59 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

60 Offences E+W+S

(1) If an offence under [F80 section 48 or 59 or paragraph 5 of Schedule 7] committed by a body corporate is proved—

(a) to have been committed with the consent or connivance of an officer, or

(b) to be attributable to any neglect on the part of an officer,

the officer as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2) “Officer” means a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity.

(3) “Director”—

(a) includes a shadow director, and

(b) if the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, means a member of the body.

Textual Amendments

F80 Words in s. 60(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 239 (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I29 S. 60 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

61 Orders made by Regulator E+W+S

(1) An order made by the Regulator under this Part must be given to the community interest company in relation to which it is made and—

(a) if the order is under section 46(1) or (3), to the director removed or suspended,

(b) if the order is under section 48(1)(b) or (2), to the person to whom the order is directed,

(c) if the order is under section 49(1), to the persons from and to whom shares are transferred,

(d) if the order is under section 49(2), to the person whose interest is extinguished and any person appointed in his place.

(2) Orders made by the Regulator under or by virtue of this Part may contain any incidental or supplementary provisions the Regulator considers expedient.

(3) When discharging an order made under or by virtue of this Part, the Regulator may make savings and transitional provisions.

(4) A document certified by the Regulator to be a true copy of an order made by the Regulator is evidence of the order without further proof; and a document purporting to be so certified shall, unless the contrary is proved, be taken to be so certified.

(5) Where the Regulator makes an order or decision against which an appeal lies under or by virtue of this Part, the Regulator must give reasons for the order or decision to the persons entitled to appeal against it.

Commencement Information

I30 S. 61 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

62 Regulations E+W+S

(1) Any power to make regulations under this Part is exercisable by the Secretary of State by statutory instrument.

(2) Regulations under this Part may make different provision for different cases.

(3) Regulations under this Part may confer or impose functions on the Regulator or any other person specified in the regulations (and, unless made under paragraph 4 of Schedule 4, may provide for appeals to the Appeal Officer from a person on whom functions are conferred by the regulations).

(4) No regulations to which this subsection applies are to be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the regulations (whether or not together with other provisions) has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(5) Subsection (4) applies to regulations under—

(a) section 30,

(b) section 31,

(c) section 32,

(d) section 34,

(e) section 35,

(f) section 36,

(g) [F81 section 37C] ,

(h) section 47, and

(i) section 56.

(6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this Part is (unless a draft of it has been approved by each House of Parliament under subsection (4)) subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F81 Words in s. 62(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 240 (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I31 S. 62 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3

63 Interpretation E+W+S

(1) In this Part—

• “administrative receiver” has the meaning[F82 —

• (a) in England and Wales or Scotland, by section 251 of the Insolvency Act 1986, and

• (b) in Northern Ireland, by Article 5 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989;]

• “the Appeal Officer” has the meaning given by section 28(1),

• [F83 “charity” means an English charity, a Scottish charity or a Northern Ireland charity, as defined below;]

• “community interest object” is to be construed in accordance with section 35(3),

• “the community interest test” is to be construed in accordance with section 35(2),

• “enactment” includes an Act of the Scottish Parliament,

• [F84 “English charity” means a charity [F85 as defined by section 1(1) of the Charities Act 2011];]

• “excluded company” is to be construed in accordance with section 35(6),

• F86 ...

• [F87 “Northern Ireland charity” means a charity within the meaning of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (see section 1 of that Act);]

• “the Official Property Holder” has the meaning given by section 29(1),

• “the Regulator” has the meaning given by section 27(1), and

• [F88 “Scottish charity” means a body entered in the Scottish Charity Register.]

• F86 ...

• F86 ...

F89 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F89 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F82 Words in s. 63(1) substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 24(2) (with art. 11(1))

F83 Words in s. 63(1) substituted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 24(3) (with art. 11(1))

F84 Words in s. 63(1) inserted (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 1(3), Sch. 4 para. 24(4) (with art. 11(1))

F85 Words in s. 63(1) substituted (14.3.2012 immediately before the Charities Act 2011 comes into force) by The Charities (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1396), art. 1, Sch. para. 47; (14.3.2012) by Charities Act 2011 (c. 25), s. 355, Sch. 7 para. 99 (with s. 20(2), Sch. 8)

F86 Words in s. 63(1) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 241(2) (with art. 10)

F87 Words in s. 63(1) substituted (24.6.2013) by Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 8 para. 11; S.R. 2013/145, art. 2, Sch.

F88 Words in s. 63(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/242), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 8(5)

F89 S. 63(2)(3) omitted (1.10.2009) by virtue of The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 241(3) (with art. 10)

Commencement Information

I32 S. 63 in force at 1.7.2005 by S.I. 2004/3322, art. 2(3), Sch. 3