We are aware that many members – quite legitimately – decided at their AGM last year not to adopt optional provisions in the SFHA Model Rules 2020 allowing for virtual AGMs on a more permanent basis. We have flagged up to UK Government that – whilst it remains hopeful that some form of physical meetings will be permissible shortly – there will still be an understandable reluctance for people to return to public gatherings. Achieving a quorum – something that can be challenging under the best of circumstances – would be unlikely.
Furthermore, there remains every chance that a further spike in the virus could delay the proposed timetable out of present Covid-19 restrictions, so having in place the contingency offered by the legislation would be the sensible approach.
Whilst the Scottish Housing Regulator has offered reassurances that it will be understanding of any difficulties faced by organisations in holding their AGM this year, SFHA will continue to make the case to both UK and Scottish Government that these provisions should be extended.
Both our initial letter to UK Government and the response are available in the downloads section to the right of this article.
If you have any queries please contact Alan Stokes, Policy Lead astokes@sfha.co.uk
