In a new, get-tough policy, the Registrar of Friendly Societies has published a list of 145 societies which are to be removed from the Register on 21 December next.
The list includes a range of agricultural, community and other co-operatives, and registered friendly societies, all of which are governed by the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, the Friendly Societies Acts, and the Trade Union Acts.
The Registrar states that each of the societies concerned has “violated Section 14 of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1893”, by having “failed to send annual returns to the Registrar.”
If you are a member or officer of, or are otherwise responsible for, a Co-operative or Friendly Society, you should check the list carefully to ensure that your Society is not included.
You can check the current status of any registered Society online on the RFS website. Obviously, if your Society is facing removal from the Register, you should ensure that all outstanding returns are filed immediately.
For more information on the Registry of Friendly Societies, see their 2011 Annual Report.
Thomas McGibney & Company 