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HMLR – PG19

July/August 2025 | Conveyancing

HMLR has updated PG19 (notices and restrictions). Section 2.6.2 has been updated to confirm that HMLR does not require additional documents to be uploaded with a UN1 application, and where documents uploaded are superfluous they will not be retained by HMLR. This is important because a UN1 application protects the confidentiality of the interest. Part …

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Sentencing – historical offences

July/August 2025 | Crime

When passing sentence on M for a historical sex offence (in the mid-1980s), the judge made no error of principle, nor was there any arguable ground that the sentence was manifestly excessive. M was convicted of buggery under the SOA 1956 and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. He appealed on the basis that the sentence …

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SC – joint loan

July/August 2025 | Conveyancing

The SC has heard an important case which considers the Etridge principles that all property practitioners should read. The press summary is as follows: ‘Background to the Appeal In 2011 the appellant commenced a relationship at a point in her life when she was emotionally vulnerable but financially independent as the sole owner of her …

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HMLR – PG50

July/August 2025 | Conveyancing

HMLR has made a number of changes to PG50 (requisition and cancellation procedures). This is an important PG for practitioners as it gives advice on how to avoid requests for information (requisitions) on applications and HMLR procedures where they do need to be raised, including the way HMLR applies rule 16(2) of the Land Registration …

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Trustees – personal liability

July/August 2025 | Wills, probate and administration

A decision from the Canadian court provides a useful insight into the extent to which trustees may be personal liable. It is a salutary lesson that executors and estate administrators should consider very carefully whether to engage in litigation. The PRs, as trustees, owe a fiduciary duty to the estate and the beneficiaries. In the …

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Procedure – amended CrimPR

July/August 2025 | Crime

A reminder for practitioners that amendments to the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 came into effect on 7 April. The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2025 include: Clarifying the procedure on an application for a court order requiring a bank to allow a party to a criminal case to inspect and copy bank records (see s7 Bankers’ …

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Material information – withdrawn

July/August 2025 | Conveyancing

Conveyancers will no doubt be aware that NTSLEAT withdrew its material information guidance without notice in May 2025. This has probably put the nail in the coffin for the ill-fated Property Information Form (5th edition). CQS-accredited firms can use this form or the existing 4th edition. The Law Society has announced that it has paused …

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Convictions – fresh evidence

July/August 2025 | Crime

Sixteen years after pleading guilty to theft and firearm offences, D appealed his conviction on the basis of fresh evidence. He sought permission to call two witnesses with that fresh evidence. The evidence concerned alleged police corruption during the trial and of entrapment which had been withheld by the prosecution. D said the fresh evidence …

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HMLR – PG67

July/August 2025 | Conveyancing

HMLR has updated section 8 of PG67 (evidence of identity) to reflect the addition of section C within form ID1 and ID2. Section C allows for a person’s ID to be verified digitally in line with the HM Land Registry digital identity standard. Section 8.6 has been amended to clarify that any evidence of the …

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CLC – AML alert

July/August 2025 | Conduct, practice and risk management

The CLC has issued an AML alert – but as with many property issues, it is useful content for SRA-regulated firms to consider. Their alert is as follows: ‘We have noticed that where a client has informed a practice that they have saved funds for a property purchase over a period of time, some practices …

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