Explanatory note

These Regulations supersede the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment of Fees) Regulations 1994. They generally increase the fees to be paid for matters transacted under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1965 and 1967.

For the first time for a number of years, the cost of supplying services to societies has been re-assessed. The fees have been revised and re-structured so that costs are spread more equitably by requiring all societies to pay an annual fee (as is already the case for the vast majority of friendly societies). The new annual fee will first apply to annual returns for societies' financial years ending on or after 31st August 1995.

In the meantime, the charges for transactions during 1995–96 financial year have been revised to relate them more closely to the cost of delivering the particular services—hence specific fees have been increased by various amounts with an average increase of 13 per cent. Charges for inspection of documents have been increased from £4.50 to £8 and associated fees (for obtaining copies etc.) have been increased by a comparable amount.

A review of the cost of compliance with these Regulations has been undertaken and the resulting compliance cost assessment may be purchased from the Registry of Friendly Societies, 15 Great Marlborough Street, London W1V 2AX.