News

There was a small, early Christmas present in the autumn budget proffered by Mr Hammond last week with regards to business rates. Firstly, the government has opted to base the annual increase to business rates…

On 1 October 2017, a new Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims came into force. The Protocol sets out criteria which a creditor must follow prior to issuing a claim. It applies to any business claiming…

‘Tis the season where the Chancellor Philip Hammond brushes off his red briefcase and announces the Autumn budget. Our Solicitor Richard Collins breaks it down. Hammond bestows gifts and favours on those he deems most…

The process of making a valid Will is currently governed by the Wills Act 1837 – but a consultation may see these laws radically change. Chris Dickinson explains. The Act provides, amongst other things, that…

Over 300,000 people are diagnosed with cancer per year. Research shows that often diagnosis could have been made at an earlier stage. So, could we be doing more? In many cases, a delay in cancer…

A review has been undertaken at a Devon maternity unit following a succession of deaths and serious injuries involving babies. According to recent reports, a number of staff members have been suspended following several “incidents”…

Some local authorities are using delegated powers to create new licensing schemes for landlords under the Housing Act 2004 – Havering included. Licensing schemes were introduced in an effort to improve the quality and safety…

This year’s Q3 statistical release from Companies House paints a relatively encouraging picture of the UK’s corporate activity – but will it continue? Figures show a healthy 4.4% increase in the number of registered companies…

The Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass) have recently reported that more than 100,000 children were involved in court proceedings in the past year. When people, usually parents, involve the courts in relation…

The Civil Justice Council working party recently published a paper on mediation which showcased that the process wasn’t being used enough within litigation proceedings – but why? It was determined that this form of alternative…