Review and update your flexible and agile working policies and procedures for your employees to prepare for the ‘new normal’ in 2021. With multiple lockdowns and nationwide messages to ‘stay at home, save lives’ over 2020, and now into 2021, in response to the global pandemic, the way we work (and where we work) has […]
With the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday end date in sight, it’s worth noting that from 1 April 2021 there is the introduction of a new rate of SDLT for non-UK resident buyers of residential property in England and Northern Ireland. Although official guidance has not yet been issued, the current proposals are as […]
Last week I wrote about how Bolt Burdon has coped during the pandemic. This week I would like to share a few of my personal hopes for the wider world for 2021. As I write this our national vaccination program is well underway, and there is hope that by the Spring our lives can return […]
This is my final Bolt Burdon Christmas before I retire in March 2021. I am delighted to write our e-news this week and next and share some thoughts. This week I want to share our own Bolt Burdon story of the pandemic. Next week I will share my hopes for the wider world for […]
With all the changes around evictions since March, it is no surprise that landlords and tenants alike are unsure of what the current rules are. We have set out below a snap shot of the most recent position. Residential Section 21 notices requiring possession under an assured shorthold tenancy: The main change to the Housing […]
At the end of last week, the Government opened consultation on options for reforming post termination non-compete clauses in employment contracts. We have been here before, most recently in 2016, when the Government published a Call for Evidence on how and why non-compete clauses are used, exploring whether or not they restrained entrepreneurship. Although the […]
Japanese Knotweed was introduced to the UK from Japan in the nineteenth century for decorative purposes. However, it has become a pest as it’s strong enough to cause considerable damage to buildings and hard surfaces by growing through gaps in these materials. As well as eradicating other plants in its wake, it can even grow […]
It is nearly four years since the tragic death of George Michael on Christmas Day 2016, yet the dispute surrounding his 2013 will rages on. The late singer’s estate is estimated to be worth £97.6 million. According to his last will, George’s estate was split unequally between his two sisters (one of whom sadly passed […]
When the Prime Minister gave a press release on 30 June 2020, inviting us all to “Build, Build, Build”, it was based on the idea that planning law would be reformed to make it easier to change the permitted use of a property. Various regulations were passed which, among other things, introduced 3 new use […]
If you have recently checked the number of years remaining on your lease and decided you would like to extend the term, you now need to get in touch with your landlord. But what if you have a dysfunctional relationship with your landlord or, worse, they are totally absent? This does present a problem but […]
The stamp duty land tax (SDLT) holiday has created an artificial finish line of the end of March 2021 for parties to complete and benefit from the tax break. There is pressure from within the property sector for the holiday to be either extended, or for a gradual phasing out. If this doesn’t happen though, […]
Whilst Boris took his time last weekend delivering the news of a second national lockdown, Robert Jenrick, the Housing Minister, was quick to react on social media to confirm that the housing market would remain open throughout. The following news was welcomed by the property sector via Twitter:- Renters and homeowners will be able to […]
A rentcharge is a type of charge affecting a property. While it is common to see ground rent in leasehold property, a rentcharge is more likely to be found in new build freehold property where the developer is transferring the interest in the land but wants to retain the ability to levy charges on any […]
This month the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published an analysis of ‘ethnicity pay gaps’ in Great Britain. The analysis looks at the difference between the median hourly earnings of White workers and other ethnic groups, using data from 2012 to 2019. This year’s analysis includes a greater number of ethnic groups, with a […]
In the real estate sector, it has been a rollercoaster of a ride in 2020. The proverbial ‘famine to feast’ doesn’t emphasise strongly enough how chaotic the year has been. When Covid gripped the nation in March, and a national lockdown was imposed, property sales and purchases ground to a halt. The housing market was […]
In certain circumstances, it might be appropriate for an independent administrator to be appointed to deal with the administration of the estate of a deceased person. An independent administrator might be appointed in the following circumstances: When there is a Will When the executor named in a Will is unwilling or unable to act, or […]
As the world attempts will find its ‘new normal’, the English Courts have been increasing their use of technology, effecting changes to continue the administration of justice during the pandemic. The Courts had previously used electronic methods, including electronic filing of documents (which is now being extended) and further steps under the electronic working pilot […]
The Government has passed legislation this month known as The Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2020, which is due to come into force on 28 September 2020. The main amendment introduced by the Order is to the meaning of “presence” when witnessing a Will. It is now permissible for those witnessing a […]
The 16th March feels like forever ago now but, in terms of days to remember, it was a game changer for so many of us. It was the evening that Matt Hancock told the Commons that “all unnecessary social contact should cease”, which was ramped up by Boris Johnson a week later when he said […]
The pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on workplaces across the UK. What is becoming increasingly clear from the cases we are seeing at Bolt Burdon is the disproportionate impact on working mums. Statistics Studies carried out by the Institute for Fiscal Studies demonstrate that the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on sectors […]
Company directors owe a number of duties to the company and Companies House must be notified whenever a director is appointed. It is a misconception that these responsibilities can be avoided simply by not formally appointing a director. Under long established law, ‘de facto’ directors have the same duties as validly appointed directors – even […]
The Help to Buy equity loan scheme introduced in 2013 has enabled people to buy new build homes with only a small deposit (as little as 5%) with up to 20% (or 40% in London) of the property’s sale price backed by a Government equity loan. The scheme is due to become more restricted next […]
What are the options if a person does not have the mental capacity to manage their property and financial affairs? In our previous blog, we explored what you can do if you suspect a loved one is becoming unable to manage their financial affairs. If this is established, it will be necessary to find […]
What are the options if a person does not have the mental capacity to manage their property and financial affairs? In our previous blog, we explored what you can do if you suspect a loved one is becoming unable to manage their financial affairs. If this is established, it will be necessary to find […]
The Court of Appeal has recently held that failure to provide a gas safety certificate prior to a tenant’s occupation does not prevent a landlord serving a section 21 notice, as long as the relevant certificate has been given before service of the section 21 notice. The law surrounding the service of gas safety certificates […]
The Government has just announced that it will pass legislation in England and Wales in September this year, which will allow people to witness a Will remotely. The Government has also announced that the legislation will apply to Wills that have been executed from 31 January 2020, and that the legislation will remain in force […]
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges for the legal sector, particularly real estate lawyers, who have been working from home and contending with printing, posting and scanning original documents. It is has become clear that the process is still too paper-based and that there needs to be a ‘digital dawn’. The Land Registry (LR) has […]
A female solicitor dubbed “overly dominant” and “pushy” suffered sex discrimination by her employer, the Employment Tribunal has decided. The case: Ms HE Biggs v A Bilborough & Company Ltd and others: 3201280/2017 and 3200123/2018 Solicitor Helena Biggs successfully brought claims for unfair dismissal, direct sex discrimination, victimisation and harassment under the Equality Act 2010 […]
We have acted for clients over the years where, part way through a divorce, one spouse unexpectedly dies. Many separated couples do not realise that, until the Court has issued a decree absolute, they are still legally married. Separation and a decree nisi are not a final divorce but the divorce proceedings cannot continue after […]
Whether you are seeking to expand your network or exploring new avenues for your business, electronic platforms (such as websites and social media) are being utilised to increase commercial opportunities. It is increasingly important to maintain an online image that is truly reflective of you and/or your company; however, this also opens up the possibility […]