The government have been keen to emphasise their house building credentials and the recent update to National Planning Policy Framework seeks to underline this. The new plan introduces ambitious targets to build 370,000 homes annually, as part of a wider...
mfg Blog
Local authorities have the power to hold rental auctions of empty high street premises if they have been persistently empty. Additional regulations relating to the auction process have recently been released and will come into force in England on 2...
A few months ago I wrote a blog about the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the “Act”), which has recently celebrated its 70 th birthday. A link to that blog is here: Landlords: Protect Yourself Against Protected Leases- mfg Solicitors In...
Rent is often the key consideration for both landlords and tenants when leasing commercial property. Both parties will want to reach a figure which is fair, and often both parties will commission a valuation to determine the market value. ...
What is Sepsis? According to The UK Sepsis Trust, sepsis "is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs”. The most common sources of infection include pneumonia and...
A recent shocking headline which has hit the news, is the case of Virginia McCullough who murdered her parents and lived alongside the bodies for four years in their family home. In video footage Virginia can be seen rather nonchalantly telling the Police...
What is the difference between a Personal Injury (PI) and a Clinical Negligence claim? Personal Injury Personal injury claims arise where a person suffers an injury and/or loss because of the negligence of another party. Types of personal injury claims can...
A recent investigation that uncovered instances of modern slavery involving workers at McDonald’s outlets and at a supplier to major supermarkets has flagged the urgent need for employers to remain vigilant against such practices. Sixteen vulnerable...
In a recent case reported by the BBC, a GP named as Thomas Kwan disguised himself in an attempt to lethally inject his mother’s partner of 20 years over an inheritance dispute. It was reported that his mother known as Jenny Leung had made a Will...
"Please Sir, I want some more!" Rea v Rea On the 23 rd February 2024 the Court of Appeal overturned the decision in Rea v Rea, creating a landmark result for professionals in the Contentious Probate industry, in relation to Undue Influence...
Solar and battery projects provide landowners with exciting opportunities. However, it is important for landowners to carefully consider the impact on their land. Demise The rights granted to the developer under the option and lease could sterilise...
It has just been announced that the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 will now not come into force. It was anticipated that it would come into force in or around September 2024 but it now appears that the Labour Government have elected...
Many potential homeowners when embarking upon a property purchase can sometimes be unaware of hidden costs in order to comply with covenants contained in an original Transfer or Lease. Failure to comply with the covenants prevents a property achieving...
The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSI) was enacted to address concerns around transactions involving the change of ownership of sensitive industry sectors and businesses either trading in the UK or supplying goods and services to people...
The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSI) was enacted to address concerns around transactions involving the change of ownership of sensitive industry sectors and businesses either trading in the UK or supplying goods and services to people...
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the “Act”) recently celebrated its 70 th birthday. Many commercial landlords will already be aware of the difficulties in taking back a property from a tenant with security of tenure, and a recent case suggests...
With the school holidays now underway, one of the most common concerns for separated parents is the issue of taking children on holiday. One common circumstance is a situation in which one parent wishes to take the children abroad, but the other parent does...
I have mistakenly sent money to an incorrect account – what can I do? In this digital world we find ourselves in, making payments to third parties often now happens at the click of a button – over 350 million faster payment bank transfers are...
What is a service charge? Service charges are payable by a tenant to the landlord for services that the landlord is obliged to provide under the terms of the lease. Often a landlord will employ a managing agent to carry out those services on their behalf. ...
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to builders and their work, particularly if you are carrying out building work for consumers (individuals or households) rather than businesses. The Act sets out the rights and responsibilities for consumers when they buy...
Ahead of the general election, we have reviewed the Conservative and Labour manifestos and have highlighted below five potential policies to watch out for: 1. Development of new homes Due to the ongoing housing crisis, house building has played a...
With Taylor Swift’s arrival in the UK on her Eras Tour, it seems like a perfect opportunity to reflect on one of her biggest hits Anti-Hero. Whilst most people would listen and simply enjoy the tune, I couldn’t help but notice a contentious...
Cryptocurrency is now an accepted currency across the world and is increasing in popularity with investors and traders alike. With its high volatility and the associated risks of cryptocurrency, there is a chance for investors to make large sums of money as...
What is the difference between a shareholder and a director? A shareholder of a limited company is an individual or entity that owns shares in it. This allows the shareholder to receive a potential dividend in return for their investment but will have no...
On the 8th April 2024 a new Code of Practice was launched to encourage “clarity, communication and collaboration” in the Agricultural tenancy sector. The Code was produced by a working group of experts representing interested parties from across...
Major reforms have been ushered through thanks to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (the “Act”) which became law on 24 May. The Act has far-reaching effects, but the following is a short introductory summary of the...
Buying a second-hand vehicle can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you're in the market for a budget-friendly run-around or a vintage classic, knowing your consumer rights is crucial to ensuring a fair and satisfactory transaction resulting...
Buying a second-hand vehicle can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you're in the market for a budget-friendly run-around or a vintage classic, knowing your consumer rights is crucial to ensuring a fair and satisfactory transaction resulting...
There are rumbles of a revival in the housing market with inflation down and an expectation that the Bank of England will soon make a base rate cut. That’s been enough encouragement for high street lenders to drop their mortgage rates. But...
New rules to ensure fairness and transparency around handling tips and gratuities will soon go live for hospitality and other service sector businesses. These are designed to ensure an even-handed approach in situations where the employer has...
Anyone who has watched recent Stand Up to Cancer specials on Channel 4 will have seen the staggering statistic revealed by Cancer Research UK: one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. In 2022, roughly 367,000 people were diagnosed...
As a commercial landlord, it can often feel like you're navigating a maze of obligations and responsibilities. From ensuring the safety of the premises to managing the terms of your leases, it's a line of work that requires careful attention to...
Cancer. It is an uncomfortable topic to discuss and an adversary most of us wish to avoid. However, these days it seems unavoidable. According to NHS England, one in two of us will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during our lifetime. Despite...
The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the history of workplace safety in the United Kingdom. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA 1974), a pivotal piece of legislation that revolutionised...
Avoiding disputes and non-payment in the building industry requires careful planning, clear communication, and proactive measures. Here are some strategies you can employ: 1. Detailed Contracts: Ensure that you have a detailed and legally binding contract...
On 6 April 2024, a subtle but important change took effect, addressing the ways in which a defence (often referred to as a response) may be presented to the Employment Tribunals in both England, Wales and Scotland. Currently, anyone wishing to file a...
Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality and navigating the legal landscape for compensation can be daunting. This guide aims to provide a clear, comprehensive overview of the process, offering valuable insights into your rights, responsibilities and...
Compensation for discrimination can include both financial and non-financial loss, and in terms of non-financial loss, this will normally include an award for injury to feelings. What are Vento bands? The Vento bands provide guidance to employment...
Employees with less than 2 years service don’t have the full wealth of employment rights that employees have with service beyond that time. This can often leave them vulnerable in the workplace. In particular such employees do not have the right to...
Netflix’s hottest new release The Gentlemen, directed by Guy Ritchie and containing a star-studded cast, has captured the attention of many Netflix addicts! As a solicitor, the series had particularly gripped me with its contentious probate issues. I...
Inheritance challenges and disputed wills are soaring , but it’s not just the high profile, mega wealthy that are fuelling the action. Figures from the Ministry of Justice come against a backdrop of headline-catching disputes such as the case of...
On 1 st March 2024, the ICO published new guidance for employers on sharing personal data during workplace mental health emergencies. The ICO acknowledged that employers may need to share personal information about employees’ health to emergency...
In general, if you have suffered personal injury, you will have 3 years from the date of the accident to commence proceedings in the Courts. This is known as the limitation period. It is the last date in which you can issue formal proceedings with the...
There are big changes on the way for UK company law; with a need for transparency and a better quality register of companies, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 does just that. This is a look at those that will specifically affect your...
When you require medical assistance, you put your trust in the medical professionals providing your treatment. This may be provided through the National Health Service (NHS) or on a private basis. Whilst the care received within the UK is typically of higher...
In an ideal world, a lease renewal will proceed smoothly with the landlord and tenant reaching swift and amicable agreement on the renewal lease terms. Landlords and tenants will be familiar with the longstanding points of contention, such as rent....
The headlines have been filled today with news of the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) new guidance for employers in relation to supporting those suffering from menopause symptoms in the workplace. The symptoms of...
I came across the news headline yesterday about the ‘employee gift bag’ given out by Avanti West Coast to its female employees of menopausal age. It apparently contained things such as a jelly baby ‘ in case you feel like biting...
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has indicated it will be updating its current guidance and Employment Code of Practice to reflect the forthcoming duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This follows the Worker...
Flexible working laws are due to change with effect from 6th April 2024. The new code incorporates all of the proposed changes to the legislation from April 2024, including reaffirming the 8 business grounds that can be relied on by an employer to reject an application.
Both the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) have openly been critical of the government in its plan to revoke the ban on replacing striking workers with agency workers during industrial action. This runs...
Last week the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) began a consultation on the re-introduction of fees for employment tribunal claims and appeals to the EAT. How Does the Proposed Fee Structure Impact Employment Tribunal Claims and Appeals? The consultation runs from...
Twas the day before Valentines… Back in August 2023 the Home Office announced it would be increasing the penalties applied to employers who employ individuals who do not have the appropriate immigration permission in the UK. No date for...
Employees on maternity leave can often find themselves absent from the workplace for a significant period of time with many taking the full one year entitlement. In addition, as such employees continue to accrue annual leave in this time, many will bolt such...
As the call for return to office working increases in demand, a recent judgment has held that a senior employee could not expect to work from home full time. So, can an employer deny flexible working requests if the role requires some office attendance? The...
Company directors, people with significant control of a company, or anyone who files on behalf of a company, must ensure they comply with new transparency rules from March 2024. Greater scrutiny of information lies at the heart of the new legislation,...
In successful claims for personal injury, the person bringing the claim (the Claimant) is awarded an amount of compensation, also referred to as damages. The aim of compensation in personal injury is to put the Claimant back in the position that they would...
In an era marked by global interactions, the process of registering foreign judgments in England serves as a pivotal mechanism for cross-border legal enforcement. Governed by the Administration of Justice Act 1920 and, in some instances, the Foreign...
It is a common misconception that your next of kin will be able to manage your affairs should you become unable to. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the legal document that you need to make, whilst you have mental capacity, which enables you to...
Changes to Flexible Working Requests The Government has been talking about making changes to flexible working for a couple of years now but has finally confirmed that from 6 April 2024, employees will have the right to request flexible working from day one...
Holiday pay Following the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Harper v Brazil, the calculation of holiday pay for regular and part year workers became more complicated and expensive for employers. The government is overruling the decision and proposes to...
When Suella Braverman was removed from her cabinet post she decided to take a defiant stance, with an open letter criticising PM Rishi Sunak for reneging on promises and calling for a leadership election. It was a defiant, headline-grabbing move and...
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking to protect supermarket shoppers by securing agreements from Sainsbury’s and Asda to stop using anti-competitive land agreements. On 13 June 2023, the CMA published letters that it sent to...
Although a registered title at the Land Registry should be a clear record of all rights and other matters affecting land, there continue to be other adverse interests which may affect property. These are known as ‘overriding interests’ and could...
At the end of September, the Government set out its revised timetable for implementing its much-anticipated requirements for ensuring new developments deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain (“BNG”). In particular the Government announced that the...
As part of our series of blogs around issues relating to the agriculture and farming sector, our latest piece is penned by Lauren Collins , a paralegal in our Agriculture and Rural Affairs department. To round off September, Lauren covers the importance...
National Grid’s five-point plan was launched on 27 February 2023 with the aim of “fundamentally reforming the connections process to make it fit for the future”, including accelerating the connection dates for energy storage projects. ...
What is a right of way? A right of way is a right for a person to pass over land by foot or vehicle. A right of way could be public so that anyone could use it or private so that it is for the benefit of specific people or land. If you have bought or sold...
DEFRA has issued new guidance which should be taken into account by local authorities when considering applications for the diversion or extinguishment of public rights of way. The new guidance applies when the public right of way passes through the garden...
The highs and lows of blame-free digital divorce Divorce applications rose by 20 per cent in the year following the introduction of no-fault divorce, according to figures from the Ministry for Justice. But while the headline process may be easier,...
Managers on the look-out for changes in employment law following Brexit need to prepare for new holiday entitlement and pay calculations. The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 became law in June, setting out how EU-based laws are to be...
Buying a new build property in the UK can be an exciting venture, offering modern designs, energy efficiency, and the opportunity to be the first owner. However, purchasing a new build comes with its own set of considerations and unique aspects that buyers...
When it comes to travelling abroad with a child, parents often have questions about the legal implications, especially if the child has a different surname. In England and Wales, parental rights and responsibilities are primarily governed by the Children Act...
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive and controlling behaviours a is a deliberate and calculated pattern of behaviour and psychological abuse designed to isolate, manipulate and terrorise a victim. Recognising Coercive and Controlling...
The diagnosis of cancer is one of the moments in life we all dread and hope never to face as the news is not only devastating for the patient but also their families. This can be even more distressing if there has been a delay in diagnosis or treatment as...
As the world grapples with the challenges of increasing prices for energy and climate change, the importance of sustainable energy practices has never been more apparent. For commercial property owners and operators in the UK, navigating energy rates can be...
Conservation areas play a vital role in preserving the architectural and historical character of certain areas in the UK. If you are a property owner within a conservation area, you may wonder about the restrictions and regulations governing alterations and...
Status does not confer special protection when it comes to bullying or sexual harassment Bullying has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks, demonstrating that no matter how high you fly, wings can be burned. It’s behaviour that...
Ed Sheeran has been defending himself in court against claims that he copied Marvin Gaye’s classic Let’s Get it On for his 2014 hit I’m thinking out loud . And while the songwriter had a successful outcome, copyright experts say...
The ‘rent-to-rent’ business model has seen a huge increase in recent years, reflecting the trend for businesses to take over utilisation of assets, like Uber and Airbnb. But for landlords, it has given rise to confusion over the extent of...
Employed, Self-Employed and Workers - How to identify your working status As someone who works in the United Kingdom, understanding your employment status is essential, as it determines your legal rights, tax obligations, and benefits. In the...