Planning for Further Stamp Duty Land Tax Changes from 1st April 2025
The property market is a very important part of the economy of any country. It can make a substantial contribution to a country’s revenue. It can also create economic bubbles if it overheats, hence damaging or even crashing an economy. Therefore, all responsible governments want to regulate the property market effectively. One tool in their […]
Appealing a Corporation Tax Assessment: A Practical Walkthrough for Business Owners
Imagine you have just wrapped up another hectic year of running your business. Then, out of the blue, a letter from HMRC arrives. It claims you have underpaid your corporation tax and includes a hefty corporation tax assessment demanding immediate payment. But as you check your books, you realise something does not add up. HMRC […]
Increased Action Against Illegal Working – Nail Bars, Supermarkets, Car Washes, and Construction Companies Beware!
Recent government action has brought illegal working into sharp focus, with a 25% increase in arrests for illegal working since the change of government. According to new data released by the Home Office, the period between 5 July and 31 October 2024 saw 2,299 arrests stemming from over 3,188 operational visits targeting businesses suspected of […]
The Challenges of Rent Review: Navigating the Complexities of Lease Agreements
Rent review is a standard feature in commercial and residential lease agreements, designed to ensure that the rental rate reflects the current market conditions. However, despite its widespread use, the process of rent review often presents a variety of challenges for landlords, tenants, and property managers alike. These challenges stem from differences in market assessments, […]
Shell Group Awarded Final Injunctions Against Environmental Protesters
This judgment, delivered remotely on December 5, 2024, addresses three claims involving Shell and environmental protesters. The court considered whether Shell should be granted final injunctions against unnamed individuals and specific protesters who disrupted Shell’s operations in 2022. Background The case revolves around protests against Shell’s fossil fuel activities, which the protesters argue contribute to […]
Ministry of Justice Announces £20 million Annual Investment in Civil Legal Aid
While it may have gone slightly under the radar, a significant announcement was recently made by the Ministry of Justice. For the first time since 1996, there will be a funding increase in civil legal aid. This figure stands at an extra £20 million per year, and those to benefit first will include vulnerable people […]
Home Office announcement – expired BRP cards can be used to travel until 31st March 2025
The Home Office have announced that they will allow Biometric Residence Permits or EU Settlement Scheme BRP Cards expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid travel evidence until at least 31 March 2025. The UK Home Office is undergoing a significant transformation to modernise its border and immigration systems. As part of […]
George v Cannell – Scope of Malicious Falsehood Clarified under the Defamation Act 1952
The Supreme Court decision in George v Cannell [2024] UKSC 19 clarifies the scope of malicious falsehood claims under the Defamation Act 1952. The ruling by the Court pays particular attention to Section 3 (1) of the Act, clarifying that in the action of defamation, the claimant should pay attention to whether they suffered actual […]
How the Court of Appeal’s Ruling on Penalties for Employing Illegal Workers Affects Your Restaurant
Restaurants that employ workers without the legal right to work in the UK face significant penalties from the Home Office. However, it’s not just the employment of illegal workers that can lead to fines — the way the penalty notice is issued to restaurants employing illegal workers also matters. To avoid costly disputes and ensure […]
What is a Lifetime Mortgage?
In the UK, there are various types of mortgages available, designed to meet different needs and financial circumstances. One specific type of mortgage is the lifetime mortgage, which is a form of equity release. A lifetime mortgage allows homeowners aged 55 or over to borrow money secured against the value of their main residence property. […]
