HMLR has updated PG74 (searches of the index of proprietors’ names). This is an important search which enables the applicant to establish whether there are any registered titles against the name/s. It can be useful for PRs, for example, but cannot be used as a mere ‘fishing exercise’. Section 2 has been updated to remove …
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The EAT has heard an appeal relating to how ‘wages’ are to be construed. The case summary is as follows: ‘Contracts of employment; whether sums “properly due” as wages The claimant was employed by the appellant as a lorry driver. He presented a complaint under section 13 of the Employment Rights Act, 1996 for unpaid …
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The rise in LIPs in criminal cases has increased steadily in recent years. This means the number of unmeritorious appeal applications are increasing in the absence of expert legal advice. In this case, Bryan J used the court’s legal powers to discourage such applications where D sought to appeal to the CA, out of time, …
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Note that many HMLR forms have been amended a result of a change to the postcode for HMLR’s PO Box address. Most applications will be made via the portal these days, but do not be caught out if it is necessary to use a form. Source the latest version from the HMLR website. Source: www.gov.uk.
Secret trusts are uncommon and the law is complex. A secret trust arises when the testator makes a will leaving, on its face, a gift to a beneficiary outright, but where that beneficiary previously agreed with the testator to hold the gift on trust for ultimate beneficiaries. In his will, T left most of his …
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This was the high-profile case of Lucy Connolly (D), sentenced to 31 months in prison in the wake of the Southport riots in the summer of 2024. She was convicted of inciting racial hatred under s19(1) Public Order Act 1986 in an X (twitter) post. She appealed her sentence, arguing it was manifestly excessive for …
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On 12 May 2025, the Law Society issued its much-awaited practice note, ‘Climate change and property’, which is a must-read for all property solicitors. This practice notes builds on its April 2023 climate change guidance. The practice note contains a helpful checklist summarising what solicitors should consider doing about climate risk in property transactions. It …
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D was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years following the attempted murder of his estranged wife (W). He had a history of violence and was already subjected to a NMO barring him from contacting W. D appealed his conviction, unsuccessfully, on several grounds. However, the CA found that the judge …
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HMLR has updated PG21 (using our forms for complex and more unusual transactions). Section 14.1 has been amended to reflect current HM Revenue & Customs practice on submitting online SDLT returns for multiple properties. Section 14.1 now reads: ‘14.1 Stamp Duty Land Tax In most cases where there are multiple properties, the Land Transaction Return …
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Practitioners may be somewhat surprised to note LeO’s latest ‘insight’ regarding complaints about third-party delays. LeO states: ‘Almost half of complaints made to the Legal Ombudsman each year are about communication and delay. And one of the most common features in complaints about delay is whether a service provider is responsible for, or could have …
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