Case Study – Successfully Disputing Business Rates and Penalty
We recently successfully assisted a commercial leaseholder client who was disputing Business Rates bills exceeding £70,000 for a commercial property. Despite the client being the occupier on the record, on evidence provided, the council agreed that they were not liable for the bills. Background and Reasoning The client previously operated a restaurant at the premises. […]
Section 202 Housing Act Review: Ensuring Fairness and Protecting Children’s Welfare
Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996 provides applicants with the right to request a review of certain decisions made by housing authorities regarding homelessness assistance. This statutory provision ensures that individuals can challenge decisions they believe are incorrect or unfair, thereby promoting fairness and accountability within the housing system. How can applicants request a […]
Can children be returned to another state before their asylum claim has been determined?
On 28 February 2025, Mr Justice Garrido ruled that children can be returned to another State before their asylum claims are determined, provided the principle of non-refoulement is upheld. The decision in Kent County Council v (1) Ek (2) Sk (3) Mik & (4) Mak (By Their Children’s Guardian) the Secretary of State for the […]
What do you need to consider before buying a commercial leasehold property in the UK?
If you are looking to buy a commercial leasehold property as an existing business in the UK, keep reading. While buying commercial leasehold properties as an existing business can be a promising but more affordable investment starting point, like any investment, it also comes with issues that buyers should consider thoroughly before making a decision. […]
Home Office Publishes Videos to Help Migrants in Transitioning to the eVisa System
Since March 2024, the Home Office has been gradually contacting migrants in the UK, inviting them to create a UKVI account and obtain an eVisa. This is part of the UK’s plan to fully switch to the eVisa system in 2025. So far, over four million visa holders have successfully set up their accounts and […]
Frozen Bank Account? Here’s What You Need To Do Next
Discovering that your bank account has been frozen can be a shocking and stressful experience. Whether you are an individual or a business owner, a frozen bank account can leave you unable to access funds, pay bills, or conduct normal financial activities. In many cases, accounts are frozen because of a police investigation, often under […]
How Does a Property Chain Transaction Work When Buying and Selling a Property?
If you’re buying and selling a property at the same time, you will likely be part of a property chain — a sequence of dependent transactions where each sale funds the next purchase. Managing a chain can be complex, and understanding how the process works, including the release mechanism, can help ensure a smoother transaction. […]
Use of BRC and BRP extended until June
The UK government estimates there are approximately 600,000 people who have not switched from their physical document to an eVisa. To support a continued smooth transition to eVisas, and ensure no one is disadvantaged, the Home Office is extending the ‘grace period’ announced in December 2024. The use of the BRC and BRP has been […]
Government Announces Plans for the End of Leasehold – Find Out What Will Replace It
In line with their manifesto commitments, the government has announced plans to abolish the ‘feudal’ leasehold system and replace it with a commonhold model by the end of the current Parliament. Successive governments have promised to take decisive action on leasehold to no avail, but the latest plans by the announced by Housing Minister, Matthew […]
Do unmarried couples who live together as cohabitees have the same rights as married couples?
It is a commonly held belief that if a couple lives together for a long time as cohabitees, they have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. This is untrue. Unmarried cohabiting couples, regardless of how long they have lived together, have far fewer rights than those who are married. “Common law marriages”, […]