SWLVGA Dissolving

SWLVGA

1. The Constitution does NOT set out any process for
   winding up. Therefore it just requires a majority vote
   from members at the AGM or special meeting.
2. The managing committee must make sure there are NO
   unpaid debts or liabilities.
3. The Association is solvent, so funds can be distributed to
   other sporting associations i.e. each County Vets. As
   there were 4 counties the assets should be distributed
   equally four ways.
4. By winding up the Association voluntarily, there should
   be a final account produced to show that members have
   acted correctly – this should be kept for seven years.
5. All bank accounts must be closed.

Dissolving a sporting association in the UK requires following specific legal steps
based on whether the club is solvent, insolvent, unincorporated, or registered as a
company or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC).

1. Check the Governing Document
    Review the constitution: Look at your club’s constitution, rules, or articles of
   association.
    Identify the rules: Find the required notice period, voting thresholds, and quorum
   needed to pass a resolution to close.
    Call a meeting: Hold a General Meeting or Special General Meeting (SGM) where
   members formally vote on the resolution to dissolve. Keep detailed minutes of this
   decision.
2. Determine Financial Status (Solvent vs. Insolvent)
    Solvent associations: If the club can pay all its debts and liabilities, you can
   distribute remaining assets according to your governing document or wind up affairs
   voluntarily.
    Insolvent associations: If the club cannot pay its debts, you must follow formal
   insolvency procedures under the Insolvency Act 1986. This usually requires
   appointing a licensed insolvency practitioner to handle a Creditors’ Voluntary
   Liquidation (CVL) or administration.
    3. Handle Association Legal Structures
    Unincorporated Associations: The committee settles all contracts, leases, and
   staff redundancies and honorarium. Members may face personal liability for unpaid
   debts if funds run out.
    Limited Companies: File a strike-off application using form DS01 with Companies
   House (costing £33 online) if the company has not traded or changed names in the
   last three months.
    Registered Societies: Use an “Instrument of Dissolution” under mutual legislation
   via the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
    4. Deal with Assets and Tax (Including CASC)
    CASCs: If registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club, you must notify HMRC
   to deregister. Remaining assets must transfer to another registered CASC, a
   registered charity, or the sport’s governing body; otherwise, Corporation Tax applies.
    Asset lock: Most club rules prohibit distributing surplus cash or property directly to
   individual members upon closure.
    Final returns: Settle final VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax obligations with HMRC,
   and close all bank accounts. Retain financial records for at least 7 year