C1Part 2Regulation of Social Housing
Chapter 4Registered providers
General provisions
I5122Payments to members etc.
1
This section restricts the making of gifts, and the payment of dividends and bonuses, by a non-profit registered provider to—
a
a member or former member of the registered provider,
b
a member of the family of a member or former member,
c
a company which has as a director a person within paragraph (a) or (b).
2
A gift may be made, and a dividend or bonus may be paid, only if it falls within one of the following permitted classes.
3
Class 1 is payments which—
a
are in accordance with the constitution of the registered provider, and
b
are due as interest on capital lent to the provider or subscribed in its shares.
4
Class 2 is payments which—
a
are paid by a fully mutual housing association (within the meaning of section 1(2) of the Housing Associations Act 1985 (c. 69)),
b
are paid to former members of the association, and
c
are due under—
i
tenancy agreements with the association, or
ii
agreements under which the former members became members of the association.
5
Class 3 is payments which—
a
are in accordance with the constitution of the registered provider making the payment (“the payer”), and
b
are made to a registered provider which is a subsidiary or associate of the payer.
F215A
Class 4 is payments which—
a
are in accordance with the constitution of the registered provider,
b
are paid for the benefit of tenants of the provider, and
c
are in any particular case paid to assist the tenant to obtain other accommodation by acquiring a freehold, or long-leasehold, interest in a dwelling.
5B
For the purposes of subsection (5A)—
“ long-leasehold interest ”, in relation to a dwelling, means the lessee's interest under a lease of the dwelling granted, for a premium, for a term certain exceeding 21 years;
“ acquiring ”, in relation to a long-leasehold interest in a dwelling, includes acquiring by grant and acquiring by assignment.
6
If a registered company or F59registered society contravenes this section—
a
it may recover the wrongful gift or payment as a debt from the recipient, and
b
the regulator may require it to take action to recover the gift or payment.
F457
The Secretary of State may by order amend this section for the purpose of—
a
adding to the permitted classes, or
b
modifying or removing a permitted class added by order under this subsection.
8
Before making an order under subsection (7), the Secretary of State must consult—
a
the Charity Commission,
b
the regulator, and
c
one or more bodies appearing to the Secretary of State to represent the interests of registered providers.
I6123Disposal of property
Chapter 5 makes provision about disposal of property F3by private registered providers.
I7124Complaints
1
In section 51 of, and Schedule 2 to, the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52)
(schemes for investigation of complaints by housing ombudsmen) for “Relevant Authority”, wherever appearing, substitute “
Regulator of Social Housing
”
.
2
In section 51 of that Act—
a
for subsection (2)(a) substitute—
a
a registered provider of social housing,
b
in subsection (2)(d) after “registered with” insert “
the Regulator of Social Housing or
”
, and
c
at the end add—
7
Section 52 shall apply to an order under subsection (4) (with any necessary modifications).
3
In paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 2 to that Act (grants) for “Housing Corporation”, in both places, substitute “
Regulator of Social Housing
”
.
4
In paragraph 11(4) of Schedule 2 to that Act, omit—
a
“or the Housing Corporation”, and
b
“or, as the case may be, the Housing Corporation”.
5
At the end of Schedule 2 to that Act add—
12General provision about orders
Section 52 shall apply to an order of the Secretary of State under this Schedule (with any necessary modifications).
I8125Voluntary undertaking
1
A registered provider may give the regulator an undertaking in respect of any matter concerning social housing.
2
The regulator may prescribe a procedure to be followed in giving an undertaking.
3
In exercising a power under Chapter 6 or 7 the regulator must have regard to any undertaking offered or given.
4
The regulator may found a decision about whether to exercise a power under Chapter 6 or 7 wholly or partly on the extent to which an undertaking has been honoured.
F76126Sustainable community strategies
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts
127Directions
I91
The regulator may give directions to F4private registered providers about the preparation of their accounts.
I92
A direction may be given to a profit-making registered provider only in so far as its accounts relate to social housing activities.
I93
The power must be exercised with a view to ensuring that accounts—
a
are prepared in proper form, and
b
present a true and fair view of—
i
the state of affairs of each registered provider in relation to its social housing activities, and
ii
the disposition of funds and assets which are, or have been, in its hands in connection with those activities.
I94
A direction may require a registered charity to use a specified method for distinguishing in its accounts between—
a
matters relating to its social housing activities, and
b
other matters.
I95
A direction—
a
may make provision that applies generally or only to specified cases, circumstances or registered providers, and
b
may make different provision for different cases, circumstances or registered providers.
I1I106
A direction that relates to more than one registered provider may be given only after consulting one or more bodies appearing to the regulator to represent the interests of F5private registered providers.
I97
The regulator shall make arrangements for bringing a direction to the attention of every registered provider to which it applies.
I11128Submission to regulator
1
Each F7private registered provider shall send a copy of its accounts to the regulator within the period of 6 months beginning with the end of the period to which the accounts relate.
2
The accounts must be accompanied by—
a
an auditor's report, or
b
in the case of accounts that by virtue of an enactment are not subject to audit, any report that is required to be prepared in respect of the accounts by virtue of an enactment.
3
The report must specify whether the accounts comply with any relevant directions under section 127.
F64
Each local authority which is a registered provider shall send copies of the following documents to the regulator so far as they relate to the provision of social housing—
a
F75any report under paragraph 1 of Schedule 7 to the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (public interest reports) in relation to its accounts;
b
its audited accounts, accompanied by any report made under that section at the conclusion of the audit.
5
The local authority shall send the copies to the regulator as soon as the authority receives them.
I12129Companies exempt from audit
1
This section applies in relation to a registered provider which—
a
is a registered company other than a charity, and
b
is exempt from the audit requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (c. 46) by virtue of section 477 of that Act (small companies' exemption).
2
The directors of the company shall cause a report to be prepared in accordance with section 130 and made to the company's members in respect of the company's individual accounts for any year in which the company takes advantage of its exemption from audit.
3
“Individual accounts” has the same meaning as in section 396 of the Companies Act 2006.
I13130Exempt companies: accountant's report
1
The report required by section 129 must be prepared by a person (“the reporting accountant”) who is eligible under section 131.
2
The report must state whether the individual accounts are in accordance with the company's accounting records kept under section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
3
On the basis of the information contained in the accounting records the report must also state whether—
a
the accounts comply with Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006;
b
the company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of that Act (small companies' exemption) for the year in question.
4
The report must give the name of the reporting accountant and be signed and dated.
5
The report must be signed—
a
where the reporting accountant is an individual, by that individual, and
b
where the reporting accountant is a firm, for and on behalf of the firm by an individual authorised to do so.
6
In this section and sections 131 and 132 “firm” has the meaning given by section 1173(1) of the Companies Act 2006.
131Exempt companies: reporting accountant
I141
A person is eligible for appointment by a company as a reporting accountant under section 130 if—
a
either of the following conditions is satisfied, and
b
the person would not be prohibited from acting as auditor of the company by virtue of section 1214 of the Companies Act 2006 (c. 46).
I142
Condition 1 is satisfied if the person is a member of a body listed in subsection (4) and under its rules—
a
the person is entitled to engage in public practice, and
b
is not ineligible for appointment as a reporting accountant.
I143
Condition 2 is satisfied if the person—
a
is subject to the rules of a body listed in subsection (4) in seeking appointment or acting as a statutory auditor under Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006, and
b
under those rules, is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor under that Part.
I144
The bodies mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) are—
a
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales,
b
the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland,
c
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland,
d
the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants,
e
the Association of Authorised Public Accountants,
f
the Association of Accounting Technicians,
g
the Association of International Accountants,
h
the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and
i
the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
5I2
The Secretary of State may by order amend the list of bodies in subsection (4).
I146
References in this section to the rules of a body are to rules (whether or not laid down by the body itself) which the body has power to enforce and which are relevant for the purposes of Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006 (statutory auditors) or this section; and this includes rules relating to the admission and expulsion of members of the body so far as relevant for the purposes of that Part or this section.
I147
An individual or a firm may be appointed as a reporting accountant; and section 1216 of the Companies Act 2006 applies to the appointment of a partnership constituted under the law of—
a
England and Wales,
b
Northern Ireland, or
c
any other country or territory in which a partnership is not a legal person.
I15132Application of Companies Act
1
The provisions of the Companies Act 2006 listed in subsection (2) apply to the reporting accountant and a reporting accountant's report as they apply to an auditor of the company and an auditor's report on the company's accounts (with any necessary modifications).
2
The provisions are—
a
sections 423 to 425 (duty to circulate copies of annual accounts),
b
sections 431 and 432 (right of member or debenture holder to demand copies of accounts),
c
sections 434 to 436 (requirements in connection with publication of accounts),
d
sections 441 to 444A (duty to file accounts with registrar of companies),
e
section 454(4)(b) and regulations made under that provision (functions of auditor in relation to revised accounts),
f
sections 499 to 502 (auditor's right to information), and
g
sections 505 and 506 (name of auditor to be stated in published copies of report).
3
In sections 505 and 506 as they apply by virtue of this section in a case where the reporting accountant is a firm, any reference to the senior statutory auditor shall be read as a reference to the person who signed the report on behalf of the firm.
I16133Exempt companies: extraordinary audit
1
This section applies where, in accordance with section 129, a company appoints a reporting accountant to prepare a report in respect of its accounts for any year.
2
The regulator may require the company to—
a
cause a qualified auditor to audit its accounts and balance sheet for that year, and
b
send a copy of the report to the regulator by a specified date.
3
A requirement may not be imposed before the end of the financial year to which it relates.
4
“Qualified auditor”, in relation to a company, means a person who—
a
is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor of the company under Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006 (c. 46) (statutory auditors), and
b
is not prohibited from acting as statutory auditor of the company by virtue of section 1214 of that Act (independence requirement).
I17134Non-audited F59registered society
1
This section applies to a registered provider which is F58a registered society.
F522
Section 85 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (“ the 2014 Act ”) (duty to obtain accountant's report) applies to the society as if subsection (1)(b) were omitted (accountant's report required only where turnover exceeds specified sum).
3
The regulator may require the society to—
a
appoint a qualified auditor to audit the society's accounts and balance sheet for any year of account in respect of which F53section 83 of the 2014 Act (duty to appoint auditors) did not apply because of a resolution under section 84 of that Act (power to disapply auditing requirements),
b
send a copy of the auditor's report to the regulator by a specified date.
4
A requirement under subsection (3) may be imposed only during the year of account following the year to which the accounts relate.
F545
Qualified auditor” and “year of account” have the same meaning as in Part 7 of the 2014 Act (for “year of account” see sections 77 and 78 of that Act).
I18135Charity
1
This section applies to a non-profit registered provider which is a registered charity.
2
The charity shall—
a
keep proper accounting records of its transactions and its assets and liabilities in relation to its housing activities, and
b
maintain a satisfactory system of control of those records, its cash holdings and its receipts and remittances in relation to those activities.
3
For each period of account the charity shall prepare—
a
a revenue account giving a true and fair view of the charity's income and expenditure during the period, so far as relating to its housing activities, and
b
a balance sheet giving a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the period.
4
The revenue account and balance sheet must be signed by at least two directors or trustees.
5
“Period of account” means—
a
a period of 12 months, or
b
such other period not less than 6 months nor more than 18 as the charity may, with the consent of the regulator, determine.
6
This section does not affect any obligation under F22Part 8 of the Charities Act 2011.
I19136Charity: audit
1
This section applies in relation to the accounts of a charity under section 135(3).
2
If Condition 1 or 2 is met, the charity shall cause a qualified person to audit the accounts and report on them in accordance with section 137.
3
If neither Condition is met, the charity shall cause a qualified person (“the reporting accountant”) to report on the accounts in accordance with section 138.
4
Condition 1 is met if the accounts relate to a period during which the charity's gross income arising in connection with its housing activities was greater than the sum specified in F23section 144(1)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.
5
Condition 2 is met if—
a
the accounts relate to a period during which the charity's gross income arising in connection with its housing activities was greater than the accounts threshold as defined by F24section 144(1) of the Charities Act 2011, and
b
at the end of the period the aggregate value of its assets (before deduction of liabilities) in respect of its housing activities was greater than the sum specified in F25section 144(1)(b).
6
“Gross income” has the same meaning as in F26section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.
7
“Qualified person” means a person professionally qualified as an accountant.
I20137Charity: auditor's report
1
An auditor appointed for the purposes of section 136(2) or 139(2) in respect of a charity's accounts shall make a report to the charity in accordance with this section.
2
The report must state—
a
whether the revenue account gives a true and fair view of the charity's income and expenditure, so far as relating to its housing activities, and
b
whether the balance sheet gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the period to which the accounts relate.
3
The report must give the name of the auditor and be signed.
4
The auditor shall, in preparing the report, carry out such investigations as are necessary to form an opinion as to—
a
whether the charity has complied with section 135(2) during the period to which the accounts relate, and
b
whether the accounts are in accordance with accounting records kept under section 135(2)(a).
5
If the auditor thinks that the charity has not complied section 135(2) or that the accounts are not in accordance with its accounting records, that must be stated in the report.
6
If the auditor fails to obtain all the information and explanations which the auditor thinks necessary for the purposes of the audit, that must be stated in the report.
I21138Charity: accountant's report
1
A reporting accountant appointed for the purposes of section 136(3) in respect of a charity's accounts shall make a report to the charity in accordance with this section.
2
The report must state whether the accounts are in accordance with accounting records kept under section 135(2)(a).
3
On the basis of the information in the accounting records the report must also state whether—
a
the accounts comply with the requirements of F27the Charities Act 2011;
b
section 136(3) applied in respect of the accounts.
4
The report must give the name of the reporting accountant and be signed.
5
If the reporting accountant fails to obtain all the information and explanations which the reporting accountant thinks necessary for the purposes of preparing the report, that must be stated in the report.
I22139Charity: extraordinary audit
1
This section applies where, in accordance with section 136(3), a charity appoints a reporting accountant to prepare a report in respect of any accounts.
2
The regulator may require the charity to—
a
cause a qualified person to audit the accounts and prepare a report on them in accordance with section 137, and
b
send a copy of the report to the regulator by a specified date.
3
A requirement under subsection (2) may be imposed only during the period of account following the period to which the accounts relate.
4
In this section—
“period of account” has the meaning given by section 135(5), and
“qualified person” has the meaning given by section 136(7).
I23140Charity: auditor's powers
1
This section applies to a person who is appointed by a charity for the purposes of section 136(2) or (3) or 139(2).
2
The charity must grant the person access to its documents, if or in so far as they relate to its housing activities.
3
An officer of the charity must provide such information or explanations as the person thinks necessary.
I24141Offences
1
A F8private registered provider commits an offence if it fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with—
a
a direction under section 127,
b
a provision listed in subsection (2), or
c
a requirement imposed under a provision listed in subsection (3).
2
The provisions referred to in subsection (1)(b) are—
a
section 128;
b
section 129;
c
section 135;
d
section 136.
3
The provisions referred to in subsection (1)(c) are—
a
section 133;
b
section 134;
c
section 139.
4
5
It is a defence for an officer to show that the officer did everything that could reasonably have been expected to ensure compliance by the F8private registered provider.
6
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
7
Proceedings for an offence may be brought only by or with the consent of—
a
the regulator, or
b
the Director of Public Prosecutions.
I25142High Court
1
If a F9private registered provider fails to comply with a direction, provision or requirement mentioned in section 141(1), the High Court may on the application of the regulator make an order for the purpose of remedying the failure.
2
An order may include provision about costs.
I26143Disclosure
1
This section applies to information that a person has received while acting—
a
as auditor of a F10private registered provider, or
b
as a reporting accountant in relation to a F11private registered provider.
2
The person may disclose the information to the regulator for a purpose connected with the regulator's functions—
a
despite any duty of confidentiality, and
b
whether or not the regulator requests the information.
3
The reference to disclosing information includes expressing an opinion on it.
4
“Reporting accountant” means a person who is appointed to prepare a report which, by virtue of any enactment, has to be prepared in respect of accounts that are not subject to audit.
Insolvency etc.
143AF1Application of rules about insolvency
This group of sections does not apply to local authorities.
I3I27144Preparatory steps: notice
A step specified in the Table has effect only if the person specified has given the regulator notice.
Step | Person to give notice |
|---|---|
Any step, of a kind prescribed for the purposes of this section by the Secretary of State by order, to enforce a security over land held by a F12private registered provider | The person taking the step |
Presenting a petition for the winding up of a registered provider which is—
But not the presenting of a petition by the regulator under section 166 | The petitioner |
Passing a resolution for the winding up of a registered provider which is—
But not the passing of a resolution for winding-up where the regulator's consent is required under section 162 or 164 | The registered provider |
Making an administration application in accordance with paragraph 12 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 in respect of a registered provider which is a registered company | The applicant |
Appointing an administrator under paragraph 14 or 22 of that Schedule in respect of a registered provider which is a registered company | The person making the appointment |
Filing with the court a copy of a notice of intention to appoint a person under either of those paragraphs in respect of a registered provider which is a registered company | The person filing the notice |
145Moratorium
I281
If a step specified in the Table below is taken in respect of a F14private registered provider, a moratorium on the disposal of land by the provider begins.
I282
Where a step specified in the Table is taken in respect of a F15private registered provider, the person specified must give the regulator notice as soon as is reasonably practicable.
I283
If the notice is not given the step is not invalidated (but the end of the moratorium depends on the notice being given — see section 146(2)).
F44I4I294
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F435
Where the private registered provider owns land in Greater London, the regulator shall give the Greater London Authority a copy of any notice received under this section.
Step | Person |
|---|---|
Any step, of a kind prescribed for the purposes of this section by the Secretary of State by order, to enforce a security over land held by a F13private registered provider | The person taking the step |
The presenting of a petition for winding up a registered provider which is—
But not the presenting of a petition by the directors or other governing body of the registered provider or by the regulator under section 166 | The petitioner |
The passing of a resolution for the winding up of a registered provider which is—
| The registered provider |
A decision by the directors or other governing body of a registered provider to present a petition for winding up where the registered provider is—
| The directors or governing body |
The making of an administration order in accordance with paragraph 13 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 in respect of a registered provider which is a registered company | The person who applied for the order |
The appointment of an administrator under paragraph 14 or 22 of that Schedule in respect of a registered provider which is a registered company | The person making the appointment |
I30146Duration of moratorium
1
The moratorium begins when the step specified in section 145 is taken.
2
The moratorium ends (unless extended or cancelled) with the period of 28 working days beginning with the day on which the regulator receives notice under section 145(2).
3
During a moratorium the regulator may extend it (or further extend it) for a specified period, with the consent of each secured creditor of the registered provider whom the regulator is able to locate after making reasonable enquiries.
4
If the regulator extends a moratorium it shall notify—
a
the registered provider, F30and
b
any liquidator, administrator, administrative receiver or receiver appointed in respect of the registered provider or its land, F32...
F31c
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F284A
If the regulator extends a moratorium in respect of a private registered provider who owns land in Greater London, the regulator shall also notify the Greater London Authority.
5
During a moratorium the regulator may cancel it if satisfied that it is unnecessary to make proposals under section 152.
6
Before cancelling a moratorium the regulator must consult the person who took the step that triggered it.
7
When a moratorium ends the regulator shall give notice, and (except in the case of cancellation) an explanation of section 147, to—
a
the registered provider, and
b
such of its secured creditors as the regulator is able to locate after making reasonable enquiries.
F338
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F298A
When a moratorium in respect of a private registered provider who owns land in Greater London ends, the regulator shall also give notice to the Greater London Authority.
9
Taking a further step during a moratorium does not—
a
start a new moratorium, or
b
alter the existing moratorium's duration.
I31147Further moratorium
1
This section applies if—
a
a moratorium in respect of a F16private registered provider ends otherwise than by cancellation, and
b
a further step specified in section 145 is taken in relation to the provider within the period of 3 years beginning with the end of the moratorium.
2
The further step does not automatically trigger a further moratorium.
3
But the regulator may impose a further moratorium for a specified period, if each secured creditor of the registered provider whom the regulator is able to locate after making reasonable enquiries consents.
4
If the regulator imposes a new moratorium it shall notify—
a
the registered provider,F41and
b
any liquidator, administrator, administrative receiver or receiver appointed in respect of the registered provider or any of its land, F42...
F39c
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F404A
If the regulator imposes a new moratorium in respect of a private registered provider who owns land in Greater London, the regulator shall also notify the Greater London Authority.
5
This group of sections applies to a further moratorium as to a first moratorium (except for section 146(2)).
I32148Effect of moratorium
1
b
F38... take steps to enforce such a direction against the registered provider.
2
During a moratorium a disposal of the registered provider's land requires the regulator's prior consent.
3
Section 149 sets out exceptions to subsection (2).
4
Consent—
a
may be given before the moratorium begins, and
b
may be subject to conditions.
5
This section does not prevent a liquidator from disclaiming land as onerous property during a moratorium.
6
In this section “land” includes a present or future interest in rent or other receipts arising from land.
I33149Exempted disposals
1
The regulator's consent is not required under section 148 for the following exceptions.
2
Exception 1 is a letting under—
a
an assured tenancy, or
b
an assured agricultural occupancy.
3
Exception 2 is a letting under what would be an assured tenancy or an assured agricultural occupancy but for any of paragraphs 4 to 8, 12(1)(h) and 12ZA to 12B of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1988 (c. 50) (tenancies which cannot be assured tenancies).
4
Exception 3 is a letting under a secure tenancy.
5
Exception 4 is a letting under what would be a secure tenancy but for any of paragraphs 2 to 12 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1985 (c. 68) (tenancies which are not secure tenancies).
F666
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Exception F675 is a disposal under Part V of the Housing Act 1985 (right to buy).
8
Exception F686 is a disposal under the right conferred by—
a
section 180, or
b
section 16 of the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52) (tenant's right to acquire social housing in Wales).
I34150Disposals without consent
1
A purported disposal by a registered provider is void if—
a
it requires the regulator's consent under section 148, and
b
the regulator has not given consent.
2
But subsection (1) does not apply to a disposal by a non-profit registered provider to one or more individuals (“the buyer”) if—
a
the disposal is of a single dwelling, and
b
the registered provider reasonably believes at the time of the disposal that the buyer intends to use the property as the buyer's principal residence.
I35151Interim manager
1
During a moratorium the regulator may appoint an interim manager of the registered provider.
2
An appointment may relate to the registered provider's affairs generally or to affairs specified in the appointment.
3
Appointment shall be on terms and conditions (including as to remuneration) specified in, or determined in accordance with, the appointment.
4
An appointment under this section shall come to an end with the earliest of the following—
a
the end of the moratorium,
b
the agreement of proposals under section 152, or
c
a date specified in the appointment.
5
An interim manager shall have—
a
any power specified in the appointment, and
b
any other power in relation to the registered provider's affairs required by the manager for the purposes specified in the appointment (including the power to enter into agreements and take other action on behalf of the registered provider).
6
But an interim manager may not—
a
dispose of land, or
b
grant security over land.
I36152Proposals
1
During a moratorium the regulator may make proposals about the future ownership and management of the registered provider's land, with a view to ensuring that the property will be properly managed by a registered provider.
2
In making proposals the regulator shall—
a
have regard to the interests of the registered provider's creditors as a whole, and
b
so far as is reasonably practicable avoid worsening the position of unsecured creditors.
3
Proposals may provide for the appointment of a manager in accordance with section 155 to implement all or part of the proposals.
4
Proposals may not include anything which would result in—
a
a preferential debt being paid otherwise than in priority to a non-preferential debt, F64...
F62aa
an ordinary preferential debt being paid otherwise than in priority to a secondary preferential debt,
b
c
a preferential creditor (PC1) being paid a smaller proportion of a secondary preferential debt than another preferential creditor (PC2) (unless PC2 consents).
5
Proposals relating to a registered provider which is a charity (C1)—
a
may not require it to act outside the terms of its trusts, and
b
may provide for the disposal of accommodation only to another charity whose objects the regulator thinks are similar to those of C1.
I37153Proposals: procedure
1
Before making proposals the regulator shall consult—
a
the registered provider,
b
its tenants (so far as is reasonably practicable),
d
if the registered provider is a registered charity, the Charity Commission.
2
The regulator shall send a copy of proposals to—
a
the registered provider and its officers,
b
such of its secured creditors as the regulator is able to locate after making reasonable enquiries, and
c
any liquidator, administrator, administrative receiver or receiver appointed in respect of the registered provider or any of its land.
3
The regulator shall also make arrangements for bringing proposals to the attention of—
a
the registered provider's members,
b
its tenants, and
c
its unsecured creditors.
4
If each secured creditor to whom proposals were sent agrees to the proposals by notice to the regulator, the proposals have effect.
5
Proposals may be agreed with modifications if—
a
each secured creditor to whom the proposals were sent consents by notice to the regulator, and
b
the regulator consents.
6
The regulator shall send a copy of agreed proposals to—
a
the registered provider and its officers,
b
its secured creditors to whom the original proposals were sent,
c
any liquidator, administrator, administrative receiver or receiver appointed in respect of the registered provider or any of its land,
e
if the registered provider is a registered charity, the Charity Commission.
7
The regulator shall also make arrangements for bringing agreed proposals to the attention of—
a
the registered provider's members,
b
its tenants, and
c
its unsecured creditors.
8
Proposals may be amended by agreement between the secured creditors to whom the original proposals were sent and the regulator; and this section and section 152 apply to an amendment as to the original proposals.
I38154Proposals: effect
1
The following are obliged to implement agreed proposals—
a
the regulator,
b
the registered provider,
c
its creditors, and
d
any liquidator, administrator, administrative receiver or receiver appointed in respect of the registered provider or any of its land.
2
The following shall co-operate with implementation of agreed proposals—
a
in the case of a charitable trust, its trustees,
b
in the case of F58a registered society, its committee members, and
c
in the case of a registered company, its directors.
3
Subsection (2) does not require or permit a breach of a fiduciary or other duty.
I39155Manager: appointment
1
This section applies where agreed proposals provide for the appointment of a manager.
2
The proposals must provide for the manager to be paid reasonable remuneration and expenses.
3
The regulator shall appoint a manager.
4
The regulator may give the manager directions (general or specific).
5
The manager may apply to the High Court for directions (and directions of the regulator are subject to directions of the High Court).
6
If the registered provider is a charity, the regulator must notify the Charity Commission that a manager has been appointed.
7
The regulator may appoint a new manager in place of a person who ceases to be manager (in accordance with terms of appointment specified in the proposals or determined by the regulator).
I40156Manager: powers
1
A manager—
a
may do anything necessary for the purpose of the appointment,
b
acts as the registered provider's agent (and is not personally liable on a contract), and
c
has ostensible authority to act for the registered provider (so that a person dealing with the manager in good faith and for value need not inquire into the manager's powers).
2
In particular, the terms of a manager's appointment may confer power—
a
to sell or otherwise dispose of land by public auction or private contract;
b
to raise or borrow money;
c
to grant security over land;
d
to grant or accept surrender of a lease;
e
to take a lease;
f
to take possession of property;
g
to appoint a solicitor, accountant or other professional to assist the manager;
h
to appoint agents and staff (and to dismiss them);
i
to make payments;
j
to bring or defend legal proceedings;
k
to refer a question to arbitration;
l
to make any arrangement or compromise;
m
to carry on the business of the registered provider;
n
to carry out works and do other things in connection with the management or transfer of land;
o
to take out insurance;
p
to use the registered body's seal;
q
to execute in the name and on behalf of the registered provider any deed, receipt or other document;
r
to do anything incidental to a power in paragraphs (a) to (q).
3
A manager shall so far as is reasonably practicable consult and inform the registered provider's tenants about an exercise of powers likely to affect them.
I41157Manager of F59registered society: extra powers
1
This section applies to a manager appointed to implement proposals relating to F58a registered society.
2
The appointment may confer on the manager power to make and execute on behalf of the society—
a
an instrument providing for the amalgamation of the society with another F59registered society, or
b
an instrument transferring its engagements.
3
An instrument providing for the amalgamation of a society (“S1”) with another has the same effect as a resolution by S1 under F50section 109 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (amalgamation of societies by special resolution).
4
An instrument transferring engagements has the same effect as a transfer of engagements under F51section 110 or 112 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (transfer by special resolution to another society or company).
5
A copy of the instrument shall be sent to and registered by the F48Financial Conduct Authority.
6
An instrument does not take effect until the copy is registered.
7
The copy must be sent for registration during the period of 14 days beginning with the date of execution; but a copy registered after that period is valid.
I42158Assistance by regulator
1
The regulator may give financial or other assistance to F17the registered provider for the purpose of preserving its position pending the agreement of proposals.
2
The regulator may give financial or other assistance to F18the registered provider, or a manager appointed under section 155, to facilitate the implementation of agreed proposals.
3
In particular, the regulator may—
a
lend staff;
b
arrange payment of the manager's remuneration and expenses.
4
The regulator may do the following only with the Secretary of State's consent—
a
make grants,
b
make loans,
c
indemnify a manager,
d
make payments in connection with secured loans, and
e
guarantee payments in connection with secured loans.
I43159Applications to court
1
F19A private registered provider may apply to the High Court where the registered provider thinks that action taken by a manager is not in accordance with the agreed proposals.
2
A creditor of F20a private registered provider may apply to the High Court where the creditor thinks that action taken by a manager is not in accordance with the agreed proposals.
3
The High Court may—
a
confirm, annul or modify an act of the manager;
b
give the manager directions;
c
make any other order.
4
If a person bound by agreed proposals (P1) thinks that action by another person (P2) breaches section 154, P1 may apply to the High Court.
5
The High Court may—
a
confirm, annul or modify the action;
b
grant relief by way of injunction, damages or otherwise.
Restructuring and dissolution
159AF2Application of rules about restructuring and dissolution
This group of sections does not apply to local authorities.
F69160Company: arrangements and reconstructions
1
This section applies to a non-profit registered provider which is a registered company.
2
The registered provider must notify the regulator of any voluntary arrangement under Part 1 of the Insolvency Act 1986.
3
The registered provider must notify the regulator of any order under section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 (court sanction for compromise or arrangement).
4
An order under section 899 of Companies Act 2006 does not take effect until the registered provider has confirmed to the registrar of companies that the regulator has been notified.
5
The registered provider must notify the regulator of any order under section 900 of the Companies Act 2006 (powers of court to facilitate reconstruction or amalgamation).
6
The requirement in section 900(6) of the Companies Act 2006 (sending copy of order to registrar) is satisfied only if the copy is accompanied by confirmation that the regulator has been notified.
161F70Company: conversion into registered society
1
This section applies to a non-profit registered provider which is a registered company.
2
The registered provider must notify the regulator of any resolution under section 115 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 for converting the registered provider into a registered society.
3
The registrar of companies may register a resolution under that section only if the registered provider has confirmed to the registrar that the regulator has been notified.
4
The regulator must decide whether the new body is eligible for registration under section 112.
5
If the new body is eligible for registration, the regulator must register it and designate it as a non-profit organisation.
6
If the new body is not eligible for registration, the regulator must notify it of that fact.
7
Pending registration, or notification that it is not eligible for registration, the new body is to be treated as if it were registered and designated as a non-profit organisation.
I44162Company: winding up
1
This section applies to a non-profit registered provider which is a registered company.
2
A special resolution for the voluntary winding-up of the company under the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45) is effective only if the regulator has first consented.
3
The requirement under section 30 of the Companies Act 2006 (c. 46) (sending copy of resolution to registrar) is satisfied only if the copy is accompanied by a copy of the regulator's consent.
163F71Registered society: restructuring
1
This section applies to a non-profit registered provider which is a registered society.
2
The registered provider must notify the regulator of any resolution passed by the society for the purposes of the restructuring provisions listed in subsection (4).
3
The Financial Conduct Authority may register the resolution only if the registered provider has confirmed to the Financial Conduct Authority that the regulator has been notified.
4
The following provisions of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 are the restructuring provisions—
a
section 109 (amalgamation of societies);
b
section 110 (transfer of engagements between societies);
c
section 112 (conversion of society into a company etc).
5
The regulator must decide whether the body created or to whom engagements are transferred (“the new body”) is eligible for registration under section 112.
6
If the new body is eligible for registration, the regulator must register it and designate it as a non-profit organisation.
7
If the new body is not eligible for registration, the regulator must notify it of that fact.
8
Pending registration, or notification that it is not eligible for registration, the new body is to be treated as if it were registered and designated as a non-profit organisation.
I45164F59Registered society: winding up
1
This section applies to a non-profit registered provider which is F58a registered society.
2
A resolution for the voluntary winding-up of the society under the Insolvency Act 1986 is effective only if the regulator has first consented.
3
The requirement in section 30 of the Companies Act 2006 (c. 46) (as applied by F61section 123 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 and section 84(3) of the Insolvency Act 1986) (sending copy of resolution to F49Financial Conduct Authority) is satisfied only if the copy is accompanied by a copy of the regulator's consent.
I46165F59Registered society: dissolution
1
This section applies to a non-profit registered provider which is—
a
F58a registered society, and
b
to be dissolved by instrument of dissolution in accordance with F60section 119 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
F722
The registered provider must notify the regulator.
3
The Financial Conduct Authority may register the instrument under section 121 of that Act, or cause notice of the dissolution to be advertised under section 122 of that Act, only if the registered provider has confirmed to the Financial Conduct Authority that the regulator has been notified.
F73166Winding up petition by regulator
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I47167Transfer of property
1
This section applies—
a
b
where a non-profit registered provider which is a registered company is wound up under the Insolvency Act 1986.
2
Any surplus property that is available after satisfying the registered provider's liabilities shall be transferred—
a
to the regulator, or
b
if the regulator directs, to a specified non-profit registered provider.
3
If land belonging to the registered provider needs to be sold to satisfy its liabilities, the regulator may discharge those liabilities so as to ensure that the land is instead transferred in accordance with subsection (2).
4
Where the registered provider dissolved or wound up is a charity, a registered provider may be specified under subsection (2)(b) only if it is a charity whose objects the regulator thinks are similar to those of the original charity.
5
This section has effect despite anything in—
F55a
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b
the Insolvency Act 1986,
c
the Companies Act 2006 (c. 46),
F56ca
the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, or
d
the constitution of a registered provider.
I48168Section 167: supplemental
1
This section applies to property transferred to the regulator in accordance with section 167(2)(a).
2
The regulator may dispose of the property only to a non-profit registered provider.
3
Where the registered provider wound up or dissolved was a charity, the regulator may dispose of the property only to a registered provider—
a
which is a charity, and
b
whose objects the regulator thinks are similar to those of the original charity.
4
If the property includes land subject to a mortgage or charge, the regulator may dispose of the land—
a
subject to that mortgage or charge, or
b
subject to a new mortgage or charge in favour of the regulator.
I49169Extension of sections 167 and 168
The Secretary of State may by regulations provide for sections 167 and 168 to apply in relation to a registered provider which is a charity but not a registered company—
a
in specified circumstances, and
b
with specified modifications.
F74Notification of constitutional changes
Ss. 169A-169D and cross-headings inserted (6.4.2017) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 4 para. 29; S.I. 2017/75, reg. 4
169ARegistered societies: change of rules
A non-profit registered provider that is a registered society must notify the regulator of any change to the society's rules.
169BCharity: change of objects
The trustees of a registered charity that is a non-profit registered provider must notify the regulator of any amendment to the charity's objects.
169CCompanies: change of articles etc
A non-profit registered provider that is a registered company must notify the regulator of—
a
any amendment of the company's articles of association,
b
any change to its name or registered office.
F74Directions about notifications
169DDirections about notifications
1
The regulator may give directions about—
a
the period within which notifications under sections 160 to 165 or 169A to 169C must be given by private registered providers;
b
the content of those notifications.
2
The regulator may give directions dispensing with notification requirements imposed by sections 160 to 165 or 169A to 169C.
3
A direction under this section may be—
a
general, or
b
specific (whether as to particular registered providers, particular kinds of notification requirement or in any other way).
4
A direction dispensing with a notification requirement may include conditions.
5
The regulator must make arrangements for bringing a direction under this section to the attention of every registered provider to which it applies.
Pt. 2 modified (1.4.2012) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 16 para. 69(2); S.I. 2012/628, art. 6(i) (with arts. 911141517)