Is it possible to register a CIO/charity without a bank account?

sprogs

Hi all,

I am not sure if this is an unusual one or not. The local council wants to get rid of the local hall. However, due to public opposition they are willing to hand it over to a community group for a year to see if they can make it viable. They are asking for groups to come forward and essentially bid to take over the running.

We are aware that there is more than one group interested, we have decided that the best way for us would be to become a Community Interest Organisation. We have a good group of volunteers with a range of skills and experience. However, there is obviously a chance we won't be successful, but equally to satisfy the council and to be ready to go once restrictions are lifted we need to register the CIO asap, even though we may then have to dissolve it if unsuccessful. 

I am trying to see what the minimum we need to do to register, is it essential to have a bank account in place from the start? We are willing to all contribute to the fees for the CIO set up but to go through the rigmarole of setting up a new business bank account before we actual know we have the business and any income is one I would like to avoid if I can - is it possible to do the registration with no bank account? Internet searches are giving me different answers!