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Law digests: 16 January 2026

16 January 2026
Issue: 8145 / Categories: Case law , In Court , Law digest
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Company

Revenue and Customs Commissioners v Purity Ltd [2025] EWHC 3401 (Ch)

The Chancery Division granted HMRC's winding-up petition against Purity Ltd, the first such petition presented under s 85, Finance Act 2022, which permits HMRC to seek the winding-up of tax avoidance scheme promoters when it is expedient in the public interest for the protection of public revenue. The court found Purity was a ‘relevant body’ under s 85 and that it was just and equitable to wind up the company on three grounds: first, Purity's tax avoidance scheme caused substantial tax loss; second, Purity demonstrated lack of transparency to both employees and HMRC; and third, Purity represented a continuation of a similar business previously conducted by Alpha Republic Ltd, which had also been liquidated following HMRC investigation. The court determined that compulsory liquidation was appropriate despite Purity already being in creditors' voluntary liquidation, emphasising the need for full investigation by independent office-holders and to send a clear message to tax avoidance scheme promoters.


Costs

R v Jacob (formerly Oyemola)

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

WSP Solicitors—Amie Williamson

WSP Solicitors—Amie Williamson

Gloucestershire firm boosts residential conveyancing team

mfg Solicitors—Andrew Johnson

mfg Solicitors—Andrew Johnson

Firm strengthens corporate team in Worcester with new hire

London Market FOIL—Ling Ong

London Market FOIL—Ling Ong

Weightmans partner appointed president of London Market Forum of Insurance Lawyers

NEWS
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