What is the ratio in Woolfson v Strathclyde Regional Council?

The corporate veil can only be pierced in exceptional circumstances, and mere ownership and control of a company are insufficient to justify disregarding separate legal personality.

What did the court decide in Woolfson v Strathclyde Regional Council?

The House of Lords refused to pierce the corporate veil, holding that only the companies, not their controller, were entitled to compensation.

Why is Woolfson v Strathclyde Regional Council important for company law?

It significantly restricted veil-piercing by rejecting the liberal DHN approach and reaffirming that exceptional circumstances are required to disregard separate corporate personality.

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