Legal Blog

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“Without Prejudice”? You have probably heard this phrase quite often but what does it mean?  In broad terms “off the record“  More accurately if a person makes admissions or statements in a genuine attempt to settle a...

The Inheritance Tax ‘burden’ The recent Budget did not contain some of the previously expected Inheritance Tax increases although it seems to have focused quite harshly on the rural community. However, with revenues from Inheritance Tax at...

What is a motorway EA? and why were they introduced? Emergency areas (EAs) were first introduced on so called ‘smart motorways’ following the removal of the hard shoulder on these ‘all-lane-running motorways’, in order to ensure...

INCREASE IN WAGE RATES FROM 1 APRIL 2025 On 1 April 2025  the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates will  be increased by the largest amount since their introduction as follows :- NLW payable to all employees aged...

  Stamp Duty Updates On 30 October 2024 Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an increase in Stamp Duty for second homes. The government has also confirmed the position on first time buyer reliefs due to come to an end in March 2025. The second-home...

Protecting your assets Do you own a property together? Is it your main asset? Do care fees, bankruptcy and/or the re-marriage of your surviving spouse concern you in terms of how this could affect the assets for your children? Property Protection...

Who will look after your pets? A Will can leave your assets (and debts sometimes) to your intended beneficiaries but what about your pets? Will it be sufficient for a family member to take in your pet if you pass away? Do you have more than one pet and...

EMPLOYERS – REVIEW RULES ON TIPS With effect from 1 October 2024 Employers must now pay tips to staff in full and allocate them fairly. The Government has published non-statutory guidance on distributing tips to help Employers follow  the...

NEW LEGISLATION - EMPLOYMENTS RIGHTS BILL The new Employments Rights Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 21 October 2024 and is expected to receive Royal Assent in mid to late 2025.   The Bill is described by the government as...