The act limits and regulates the authority of the general of The Salvation Army, who serves as the organisation's chief executive officer (CEO).

The High Council of The Salvation Army was established by William Booth, the founder of the organisation, in 1904.

By 1929, Bramwell Booth had become ill but refused to retire when asked by Salvation Army leaders.

[5] Largely because of Bramwell Booth's refusal to resign, the Salvation Army Act 1931, passed by the parliament of the United Kingdom, removed the general's ability to choose his successor.

[7] These revoked deeds originally granted the general significant power and established that the wealth and holdings of the organisation were directly controlled and managed by the leader.