At our AGM on Friday 8 January, the core proposal was to change our legal structure by moving from a limited company to a Community Benefit Society (CBS).
To meet the quorum requirements set out in our Articles of Association and to satisfy OSCR (the Scottish Charity Regulator), we are collecting digital proxy votes.
About the Vote
This vote will also include the agreement of the AGM minutes 2024, the Financial Report, and the election of our Board Members.
To make these decisions legally binding under our Articles of Association, we must reach a formal quorum of 10% of our membership. Your participation today ensures we meet this legal threshold without the need for further meetings.
Every Resident Member of LCDT has one vote, which may be given by proxy. By submitting your response, you agree to appoint our Chair, Diarmid Harris, as your proxy to vote on your behalf to finalise the vote.
Associate Members and Junior Members are excluded from the vote.
Please Note: If you already attended the meeting in person on Friday 8 January, you do not need to fill this out, though doing so will not invalidate your previous input.
What is a Community Benefit Society?
A Community Benefit Society (CBS) is a nonprofit business model that enables the community to own local assets by raising money from within the community (and beyond). It is organised on the principle of one member, one vote, which ensures fundamental equality among members.
What does this mean for LCDT?
- Charity Status: We will remain a fully registered Scottish Charity. Our mission and our commitment to Lochwinnoch do not change.
- Community Investment: A CBS structure allows us to launch “Community Share Offers,” giving you the chance to invest in and own local assets directly.
- Asset Protection: It provides a stronger legal “Asset Lock,” ensuring our land and buildings are protected for the village forever.
- Funding Opportunities: They open doors to grants and loans designed exclusively for community-owned societies.
Laura Bedford, from the Democratic Finance Team at DTAS, gave a presentation at the AGM. See Laura’s answers to all of the questions posed in the AGM 2025 Minutes.
More information about Community Benefit Societies can also be found on the Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) website: democraticfinance.scot/support-overview
How to Vote
Please review the following documents before submitting your response:
- AGM 2025 Minutes: Our notes from the meeting on 8 January.
- LCDT Accounts 2024-2025: The financial report.
- Proposal to Change the Structure of LCDT: This document explains the types of shares, governance, and objects and powers of the new body as a Community Benefit Society.
Deadlines and Compliance
This form will remain open until Monday 16 March, 12am.
The special resolution will pass only if the required legal quorum is met and formal consent from OSCR (The Scottish Charity Regulator) is received. The final meeting to declare the results will be held no sooner than 48 hours after the digital poll closes. Members will be notified of the outcome of this meeting.