{"id":4182,"date":"2022-06-21T02:04:17","date_gmt":"2022-06-21T01:04:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?p=4182"},"modified":"2026-08-26T02:46:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T01:46:34","slug":"special-resolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/corporations\/special-resolution\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Special Resolution in England and Wales?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A special resolution is a shareholder decision that needs a majority of at least 75% to pass. In England and Wales, the <em>Companies Act 2006<\/em> sets that threshold and lists the decisions that require one. Changing the articles of association, changing the company name and reducing share capital all need a special resolution. At a general meeting, 75% of the votes actually cast must support the resolution. A written resolution sets a higher bar, because it needs 75% of the total voting rights of all eligible members. Companies must file a special resolution at Companies House within 15 days, and it then becomes public. This article explains what a special resolution is under English and Welsh company law, which decisions require one, how the 75% threshold works at a general meeting compared with a written resolution, and how to pass a special resolution without holding a meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"my-7 lg:my-10 border-y-2 border-gray-100 py-7 lg:py-10 flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start gap-10\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-52 mx-auto my-0! rounded\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/11035207\/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-2.51.56%E2%80%AFpm.png\" alt=\"Front page of publication\"\n                 loading=\"lazy\" width=\"208\" height=\"298\">\n                <section>\n            <div class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Corporate Governance Guide for SMEs in the UK<\/div>\n            <div class=\"body-text\">\n                <p>This guide will help you to understand your corporate governance responsibilities as a director, including the decision-making processes<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            \n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.uk\/corporate-governance-guide-smes-UK.html\" class=\" block px-5 py-3.5 max-w-fit bg-orange button__hover transition rounded text-white font-bold text-lg no-underline uppercase leading-tight text-center\" target=\"\" rel=\"\">Download Now<\/a>        <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Special Resolution?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A special resolution is a shareholder resolution that requires at least 75% of votes to pass. In contrast, an <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/corporations\/ordinary-vs-special-resolution\/\">ordinary resolution<\/a> requires a simple majority of over 50% of votes in favour of the resolution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certain important decisions require a company to make a special resolution. The <em>Companies Act 2006<\/em> outlines certain decisions that companies can only make via special resolution. Some examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reducing the company\u2019s share capital;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>changing the companies status by registration, for example, changing from a <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/corporations\/limited-vs-unlimited-company\/\">limited company<\/a> to a partnership;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>purchasing the company\u2019s own shares;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>changing the company\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/corporations\/articles-of-association\/\">articles of association<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>changing the company\u2019s name; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>approving long-term service contracts with directors&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>approving substantial property transactions with directors in some cases&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disapplying pre-emptive rights on the issue of equity securities t.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the <em>Insolvency Act<\/em>, a special resolution is also needed when approving a voluntary wind up of the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shareholders and company may also agree in the articles of association or separate shareholders agreement that certain other matters (like undertaking an initial public offering, a business sale, or changing share class rights) require a special resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>Sometimes a company\u2019s articles of association and shareholders agreement might designate a higher or lower percentage threshold of what a \u2018special resolution\u2019 means. However if it is lower (say 60%), for those matters in the <em>Companies Act<\/em> or <em>Insolvency Act<\/em> that require a special resolution, the company must still meet the \u2018at least 75%\u2019 threshold.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why a Special Resolution?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose of a special resolution is to protect <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/corporations\/minority-shareholder-oppression\/\">minority shareholders<\/a> when a company makes important decisions. It allows for a 25% minority to overrule a decision and the majority cannot simply push through actions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"not-prose\">0808 196 8584<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you on the same business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    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This means that, for a vote to be valid, at least 75% of all of the eligible votes must be counted;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>if 75% of individuals who are eligible members cast their vote at a general meeting during a poll, then the same rule applies regardless of whether they vote in person, by proxy, or in advance; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>if the company decides to use a written resolution, then it must also consist of at least 75% of all eligible votes voting in favour of the decision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is worth noting that special resolutions must be filed with Companies House within 15 days of being passed. This filing requirement ensures transparency and creates a public record of significant company decisions. The resolution will then appear on the company&#8217;s public record, which can be accessed by anyone searching the company&#8217;s details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passing a Special Resolution as a Written Resolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Private companies do not have to hold a general meeting to pass a special resolution. A written resolution achieves the same result without anyone gathering in a room. The threshold works differently, though, and the difference catches companies out. A written special resolution needs members holding at least 75% of the total voting rights of all eligible members. A shareholder who simply ignores the paperwork therefore counts as a vote against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Directors circulate the resolution to every eligible member at the same time, in hard copy or electronically. The document must state that it proposes a special resolution, or the resolution does not qualify as one. Members signify agreement by signing and returning the document, or by replying to an electronic communication. A proposed written resolution lapses if it does not pass within the period the <em>Companies Act 2006<\/em> allows. Late agreement does not count. Check your articles before you start, because they can set a different response period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shareholders cannot remove a director or an auditor before the end of their term by <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/corporations\/written-resolution\/\">passing a written resolution<\/a>. Those decisions need a general meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"lawyer-quote p-4 bg-gray-50 rounded-2xl my-8\">\n    <blockquote class=\"not-prose flex-1 m-0! text-center sm:text-left\">\n        <p class=\"mt-0! text-lg italic\">&ldquo;The threshold is the part everyone remembers, and the part that catches people out is whose votes you count. At a general meeting you count only the shareholders who turn up and vote, but on a written resolution a shareholder who never opens the envelope has effectively voted against you. Where you have a disengaged minority shareholder, hold the meeting.&rdquo;<\/p>\n    <\/blockquote>\n    <figure class=\"flex flex-row gap-6 justify-end items-center mt-4 mb-0\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/22020745\/cropped-Lloyd-4688-scaled-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"flex-none w-12 h-12 rounded-full object-cover mx-auto sm:mx-0 wp-post-image\" alt=\"Lloyd Edwards\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/22020745\/cropped-Lloyd-4688-scaled-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/22020745\/cropped-Lloyd-4688-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/22020745\/cropped-Lloyd-4688-scaled-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/22020745\/cropped-Lloyd-4688-scaled-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/22020745\/cropped-Lloyd-4688-scaled-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/07\/22020745\/cropped-Lloyd-4688-scaled-1.jpg 1606w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>        <figcaption class=\"mt-0 not-italic text-gray-800\">\n            <span class=\"block font-bold\">Lloyd Edwards<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"block font-light\">Trainee Solicitor, LegalVision<\/span>\n                    <\/figcaption>\n    <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a limited company, you may have to use special resolutions to pass certain actions. Often, this is used when it is required by the <em>Companies Act<\/em>, such as when your company wants to change its name. In some cases, however, your company\u2019s constitution may require you to make some changes only via a special resolution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To pass a special resolution, you will need at least 75% of the eligible votes to be cast, and you will need at least 75% of those votes to vote in favour of the decision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for businesses through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-lawyers-lp\"><strong>business lawyers<\/strong><\/a> help businesses manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property, and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for a fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision\u2019s legal membership, call <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0808 196 8584<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/membership\/\">visit our membership page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1655772688825\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the <em>Companies Act 2006<\/em>?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The <em>Companies Act 2006<\/em> specifies certain parts of English company law, including when special resolutions are necessary.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1655772689699\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is a shareholder?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A shareholder is an individual who owns shares in a company. Shareholders have certain rights, which typically include a right to vote at general meetings and a right to dividends.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782109058774\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long do companies have to file a special resolution with Companies House?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Companies must file special resolutions with Companies House within 15 days of the resolution being passed. This creates a public record of the decision and ensures compliance with statutory requirements.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1782109118408\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What happens if a company fails to file a special resolution?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Failure to file a special resolution with Companies House within 15 days is a criminal offence, and the company and its officers may face a fine.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A special resolution is a shareholder decision that needs a majority of at least 75% to pass. In England and Wales, the Companies Act 2006 sets that threshold and lists the decisions that require one. Changing the articles of association, changing the company name and reducing share capital all need a special resolution. At a<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/corporations\/special-resolution\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;What is a Special Resolution in England and Wales?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13581,"featured_media":3162,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"2502,1776,2498,2493,2411,2170","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[136,153,508,547,548],"class_list":["post-4182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporations","tag-companies-act-2006","tag-limited-company","tag-corporate","tag-ordinary-resolution","tag-special-resolution"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a Special Resolution in England and Wales? 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