The Senior Courts Costs Office (SCCO) has ruled that pre-decision costs in homelessness appeals are recoverable, marking a major victory for Duncan Lewis Solicitors. This landmark decision reinforces access to justice for vulnerable individuals and affirms the importance of preparatory legal work in challenging unsuitable housing conditions.
Duncan Lewis’ Housing team achieved a notable outcome in Autumn 2024, defending clients against a Section 21 ‘no fault eviction’ claim. The case examined compliance with gas safety regulations, including the validity of unsigned certificates. Housing Director Manjinder Kaur Atwal highlighted the ruling’s implications for landlords, tenants, and future legislation.
In the article we hear from Amandeep Bains of Duncan Lewis about a pivotal judicial review case which is challenging a Council’s refusal to consider a fresh homelessness application for the firm’s client. The Court of Appeal will address whether an expert report constitutes a ‘new fact’ for such applications and if councils can lawfully refuse to accept new evidence. The case, with potential national impact, could reshape how local authorities handle homelessness claims and may reach the Supreme Court.
In this article Jack Rundall of 1GC provides us with his thoughts as to the shape the recent promised reform to cohabitation laws by the Labour Government may take. Rundall explains why this area of family law is in desperate need of reform and the two most likely paths that reform could take.
In this article, Callum Emmerson of Blachards comments upon the UK rise in abandoned properties. This piece discusses the factors behind this increase including; economic shifts, legal issues, and overseas investments. Emmerson also talks of possible solutions.
Cohabiting couples in the UK face risks due to misconceptions about inheritance laws. Research shows 68% of couples don’t realize that without a Will, they have no automatic right to inherit their partner’s estate, even after years together or with children. Peter de Vena Franks discusses how solicitors can address this by joining the Will Aid campaign, which runs in November.
As a busy conveyancer, following up on cold leads can be overwhelming. Convert Crew offers a hands-free solution to convert those leads into paying clients—at no upfront cost. For a limited time, they’re partnering with three conveyancing firms to demonstrate their lead-conversion system, completely free of charge. Let Convert Crew handle your follow-ups while you focus on your business.
Understanding the complex rules around capital allowances can save client’s significant amounts of tax.
Tax experts, Zeal, take a look at case examples to show how things almost went wrong!
Chronicle Law interviewed Matt Jeffery, Zeal Tax on how changes to the Finance Act in April 2014 has impacted commercial property transactions.
Unlock tax savings in commercial property deals. Read this article on capital allowances by Matt Jeffery – the lead tax specialist at Zeal.
Official Local Authority Searches are an essential part of property purchasing process. The information they reveal can be used to renegotiate your offer and may even make you pull out of the purchase.
CNC Searches was established in 2009 after our director Manny became frustrated with the delays of the conveyancing process and the turnaround time for the searches needed for his property transaction.
Guardcover is delighted to announce the launch of our much anticipated Unoccupied Property Insurance Block Declaration Model, designed especially for Solicitors.
This brand-new approach allows you to quickly and simply insure multiple properties across your practice under a single policy; whether they have been left unoccupied in probate, deputyship, intestate, or even during the conveyancing process.
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