ABSTRACT
All the foregoing supplementary benefits are possible of provision under existing powers contained in the Friendly Societies Acts and as matter of policy it seems to be undesirable to suggest any extension of the powers under those Acts, such suggestions being used officially as reasons for proposing modification of the privileges extended to friendly societies under the Income Tax Acts. It is probable, however, that it would be an advantage if societies, by the formation of subsidiary bodies, such as are contemplated by Section 8 (4) of the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, would to a greater extent than at present make suitable provision for mutual helpfulness, mental and moral improvement and rational recreation for their members. (xii) Determination of Needs
... In the event of any future legislation dealing with the present Poor Law providing for a form of assistance which is based upon a Needs Test, it is recommended that the whole of the individual's income arising from friendly societies' sickness or annuity benefit shall be disregarded. 30th June, 1947
The building society movement has a history which extends over a period of at least 166 years, the first known building society having been established at Birmingham in 1781 and there may have been earlier societies of which no record exists. By 1836 societies had become sufficiently numerous to obtain statutory recognition in the Building Societies Act passed in that year, which applied to them certain provisions of the Friendly Societies Act, 1829. There are nine societies in existence which were established more than one l1undred years ago.
