Insolvency Act 1986, section 6

Challenge of decisions

Part I Company Voluntary Arrangements

(1)Subject to this section, an application to the court may be made, by any of the persons specified below, on one or both of the following grounds, namely—

(a)that a voluntary arrangement [F64which has effect under section 4AF64] unfairly prejudices the interests of a creditor, member or contributory of the company;

(b)that there has been some material irregularity at or in relation to [F65the meeting of the company, or in relation to the relevant qualifying decision procedureF65] .

[F66 (1A)In this section—

(a) the “relevant qualifying decision procedure” means the qualifying decision procedure in which the company's creditors decide whether to approve a voluntary arrangement;

(b)references to a decision made in the relevant qualifying decision procedure include any other decision made in that qualifying decision procedure.F66]

(2)The persons who may apply under [F67subsection (1)F67] are—

(a)a person entitled, in accordance with the rules, to vote at [F68the meeting of the company or in the relevant qualifying decision procedureF68] ;

[F69 (aa)a person who would have been entitled, in accordance with the rules, to vote [F70 in the relevant qualifying decision procedureF70] if he had had notice of it;F69]

(b)the nominee or any person who has replaced him under section 2(4) or 4(2); and

(c)if the company is being wound up or [F71is in administrationF71] , the liquidator or administrator.

[F72 (2A)Subject to this section, where a voluntary arrangement in relation to a company in energy administration is approved at the meetings summoned under section 3, an application to the court may be made—

(a)by the Secretary of State, or

(b)with the consent of the Secretary of State, by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority,

on the ground that the voluntary arrangement is not consistent with the achievement of the objective of the energy administration.F72]

(3)An application under this section shall not be made

[F73 (a)F73] after the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the first day on which each of the reports required by section 4(6) [F74and (6A)F74] has been made to the court [F75or

(b)in the case of a person who was not given notice of the [F76 relevant qualifying decision procedureF76] , after the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which he became aware that [F77 the relevant qualifying decision procedureF77] had taken place,

but (subject to that) an application made by a person within subsection (2)(aa) on the ground that the voluntary arrangement prejudices his interests may be made after the arrangement has ceased to have effect, unless it came to an end prematurely.F75]

(4)Where on such an application the court is satisfied as to either of the grounds mentioned in subsection (1) [F78or, in the case of an application under subsection (2A), as to the ground mentioned in that subsectionF78] , it may do [F79anyF79] of the following, namely—

(a)revoke or suspend [F80any decision approving the voluntary arrangement which has effect under section 4AF80] or, in a case falling within subsection (1)(b), any [F81decision taken by the meeting [F82 of the company, or in the relevant qualifying decision procedure,F82] which has effect under that sectionF81] ;

(b)give a direction to any person for the summoning of [F83a further company meetingF83] to consider any revised proposal the person who made the original proposal may make or, in the case falling within subsection (1)(b), [F84and relating to the company meeting, a further companyF84] meeting to reconsider the original proposal;

[F85 (c)direct any person—

(i)to seek a decision from the company's creditors (using a qualifying decision procedure) as to whether they approve any revised proposal the person who made the original proposal may make, or

(ii)in a case falling within subsection (1)(b) and relating to the relevant qualifying decision procedure, to seek a decision from the company's creditors (using a qualifying decision procedure) as to whether they approve the original proposal.F85]

(5)Where at any time after giving a direction under subsection (4)(b) [F86or (c) in relation toF86] a revised proposal the court is satisfied that the person who made the original proposal does not intend to submit a revised proposal, the court shall revoke the direction and revoke or suspend any [F87decision approving the voluntary arrangement which has effect under section 4AF87] .

(6)In a case where the court, on an application under this section with respect to any meeting [F88or relevant qualifying decision procedureF88] —

(a)gives a direction under subsection (4)(b) [F89or (c)F89] , or

(b)revokes or suspends an approval under subsection (4)(a) or (5),

the court may give such supplemental directions as it thinks fit and, in particular, directions with respect to things done [F90under the voluntary arrangement since it took effectF90] .

(7)Except in pursuance of the preceding provisions of this section,

[F91 (a)F91] [F92 a decision takenF92] at a [F93companyF93] meeting summoned under section 3 is not invalidated by any irregularity at or in relation to the meeting [F94, and

(b)a decision of the company's creditors made in the relevant qualifying decision procedure is not invalidated by any irregularity in relation to the relevant qualifying decision procedure.F94]

[F95 (8) In this section “in energy administration” and “objective of the energy administration” are to be construed in accordance with Schedule B1 to this Act, as applied by Part 1 of Schedule 20 to the Energy Act 2004 . F95]

Definitions used in section 6 6

contributory

(1) In this Act . . . the expression “contributory” means every person liable to contribute to the assets of a company in the event of its being wound up, and for the purposes of all proceedings for determining, and all proceedings prior to the final determination of, the persons who are to be deemed contributories, includes any person alleged to be a contributory.

Defined in s.79(1) · see it in the full Act
the company

2 Section 233B does not apply in relation to a contract for the supply of goods or services to a company (“the company”) where any of paragraphs 3 to 11 applies.

Defined in Sch.4ZZA para.2 · see it in the full Act
company

(4) In this Part “company” means—

(a)a company registered under the Companies Act 2006 in England and Wales or Scotland;

(b)a company incorporated in an EEA State ...; or

(c)a company not incorporated in an EEA State but having its centre of main interests in a member State (other than Denmark) or in the United Kingdom .

Defined in s.1(4) · see it in the full Act
in administration

(a) a company is “in administration” while the appointment of an administrator of the company has effect,

Defined in Sch.B1 para.1(2) · see it in the full Act
administrator

1 (1) For the purposes of this Act “administrator” of a company means a person appointed under this Schedule to manage the company’s affairs, business and property.

Defined in Sch.B1 para.1(1) · see it in the full Act
consent

(3) But where the administrator has made a statement under paragraph 52(1)(b) “consent” means—

(a) consent of each secured creditor of the company, or

(b) if the administrator thinks that a distribution may be made to preferential creditors, consent of—

(i) each secured creditor of the company, and

(ii) the preferential creditors of the company.

Defined in Sch.B1 para.108(3) · see it in the full Act

Cases considering section 6 32

Heis & Ors v Financial Services Compensation Scheme Ltd & Anor

[2018] EWCA Civ 1327 · 11 June 2018Interprets

The Court rejected the contention that paragraph 3.1(e) of the CVA existed only to deal with late statutory challenges under section 6. The statutory challenge scheme did not confine the contractual condition to that limited function. (see paras [40]-[56]) The Court treated this as one of the ordinary statutory challenge provisions already addressed by paragraph 3.1(d). Its presence did not support the proposed narrow construction of paragraph 3.1(e). (see paras [30]; [41]-[48]) The Court treated this as one of the ordinary statutory challenge provisions already addressed by paragraph 3.1(d). Its presence did not support the proposed narrow construction of paragraph 3.1(e). (see paras [30]; [41]-[48]) The Court identified this as the ordinary 28-day statutory challenge period corresponding with the CVA Challenge Period. That context did not justify treating paragraph 3.1(e) as a provision solely about statutory challenges. (see paras [40]-[48]) The Court considered the extended period for a creditor without notice of the meeting. It held that paragraph 3.1(e) was not drafted to fill a supposed gap relating to such late challenges. (see paras [41]-[48]; [53]-[56])

Tucker & Anor v Gold Fields Mining LLC

[2009] EWCA Civ 173 · 11 March 2009Limits

The court used section 6 to compare the 28-day period for challenging CVA approval with the 28-day period for lodging a claim by a creditor without notice. It noted that the court could not extend the challenge period, but held that this did not determine whether the CVA itself permitted later claims. (see paras [19]–[20])

Inland Revenue v Wimbledon Football Club Ltd & Ors Rev 2

[2004] EWCA Civ 655 · 28 May 2004Interprets

The court considered section 6 as the mechanism for challenging and revoking approval of a voluntary arrangement after statutory non-compliance or material irregularity. (see paras [30]-[39]) The court treated section 6(1) as permitting challenges based on unfair prejudice or material irregularity, including where approval conflicted with a substantive statutory prohibition. (see paras [30]; [36]-[39]; [64]-[65]) The court identified unfair prejudice as a possible basis for challenging a directors’ voluntary arrangement, without deciding the point. (see paras [30]; [64]-[65]) The court accepted that infringement of a substantive prohibition could constitute material irregularity, making revocation of approval ordinarily necessary. (see paras [36]-[39]) Cited only. The court noted the strict time limit for a challenge and considered its relevance to the consequences of an unchallenged invalid proposal. (see paras [31]; [38]) The court held that the discretionary wording of section 6(4) could require revocation where approval conflicted with a clear substantive prohibition and caused clear prejudice. (see paras [31]; [36]-[39]) The court identified revocation or suspension of approval as the relevant relief where the statutory challenge succeeds. (see paras [31]; [36]-[39]) Cited only.

12 more judgments, and what each says about section 6, are in the case-law panel in the full Act.

Amendments and notes

38 notes from legislation.gov.uk

Amendments

  1. F64Words in s. 6(1)(a) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(2); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  2. F65Words in s. 6(1)(b) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(2); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  3. F66S. 6(1A) inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(3); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  4. F67Words in s. 6(2) substituted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(2); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
  5. F68Words in s. 6(2)(a) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(4)(a); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  6. F69S. 6(2)(aa) inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(3); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  7. F70Words in s. 6(2)(aa) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(4)(b); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  8. F71Words in s. 6(2)(c) substituted (15.9.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 248(3), 279, Sch. 17 para. 12 (with s. 249(1)-(3)(6)); S.I. 2003/2093, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-8 (as amended by S.I. 2003/2332, art. 2))
  9. F72S. 6(2A) inserted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(3); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
  10. F73In s. 6(3) “(a)" inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(4)(a); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  11. F74Words in s. 6(3)(a) inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(5); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  12. F75S. 6(3)(b) and words inserted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(4)(b); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  13. F76Words in s. 6(3)(b) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(6)(a); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  14. F77Words in s. 6(3)(b) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(6)(b); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  15. F78Words in s. 6(4) inserted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(4); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
  16. F79Word in s. 6(4) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(7); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  17. F80Words in s. 6(4)(a) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(5)(a); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  18. F81Words in s. 6(4)(a) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(5)(b); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  19. F82Words in s. 6(4)(a) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(8); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  20. F83Words in s. 6(4)(b) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(9)(a); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  21. F84Words in s. 6(4)(b) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(9)(b); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  22. F85S. 6(4)(c) inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(10); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  23. F86Words in s. 6(5) substituted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(11); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  24. F87Words in s. 6(5) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(6); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  25. F88Words in s. 6(6) inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(12)(a); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  26. F89Words in s. 6(6)(a) inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(12)(b); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  27. F90Words in s. 6(6) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(7); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  28. F91S. 6(7)(a): words in s. 6(7) renumbered as s. 6(7)(a) (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(13)(a); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  29. F92Words in s. 6(7) substituted (1.1.2003) by 2000 c. 39, s. 2, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7(8); S.I. 2002/2711, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions in arts. 3-5)
  30. F93Word in s. 6(7)(a) inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(13)(b); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  31. F94S. 6(7)(b) and word inserted (26.5.2015 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 6.4.2019 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26), s. 164(1), Sch. 9 para. 7(13)(c); S.I. 2015/1329, reg. 3(d); S.I. 2016/1020, reg. 4(e) (with reg. 5) (as amended by S.I. 2017/363, reg. 3); S.I. 2019/816, reg. 4(c) (with reg. 5)
  32. F95S. 6(8) inserted (5.10.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 159(1), 198, Sch. 20 para. 44(5); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

Modifications

  1. C92Ss. 1-7B applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (15.3.2024) by The Water Industry (Special Administration) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/205), regs. 2(2), 5(1), 43-45 (with reg. 64)
  2. C93Ss. 2-6 applied (with modifications) by 2009 c. 1, s. 154(3A) (as inserted (13.3.2018) by The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (Consequential Amendments, Savings and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/208), regs. 1(3), 5(6)(c))
  3. C103S. 6 amended (1.12.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 356(2); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
  4. C104S. 6 modified (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), ss. 73, 93(2)(3), Sch. 10 para. 44; S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)
  5. C105S. 6 modified by S.I. 2012/3013, Sch. 2 para. 37 (as inserted (4.7.2018) by The Insolvency of Registered Providers of Social Housing Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/728), regs. 1, 3(6), Sch. 2)
  6. C106S. 6 modified (5.7.2018) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 5 para. 43; S.I. 2018/805, reg. 3(b)