Blog - Bowling & Co Solicitors

two people arguing in a garden boundary dispute

Property boundary disputes – getting to the root of the problem

Property boundary disputes are increasing as householders spend more time at home and in their gardens due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is fuelling a rise in boundary disputes as infrequent niggles have translated into nagging complaints, with overhanging branches, encroaching tree roots and towering hedges proving to be a major source of disagreement. But when it comes to overhanging branches, and fruit falling into a neighbour’s garden, there’s not always a clear-cut answer, even where it poses a health threat. Various protections may impact the right to trim back…

collecting holiday travel tickets from tour operator

Travel operators and hope for holidaymakers when things go wrong

The dream of a tropical paradise became a nightmare, and a long-running legal battle, for one holidaymaker after she was subjected to a violent assault by a member of the hotel’s maintenance staff. But now, eleven years on, the Supreme Court has handed down its ruling, supporting the victim’s claim and clarifying the responsibilities of tour operators for the actions of an employee of a service provider, in a judgement that has far-reaching implications. Package tour operators have an obligation to make sure that the providers they use are up…

Leasehold property changes for new buyers

Change is in sight for buyers of new leasehold properties, with the passage through Parliament of a bill that will see the ending of ground rent, but it will not help existing leaseholders struggling with onerous terms. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill applies to new, qualifying long residential leases in England and Wales and was tabled in response to one of the Law Commission’s recommendations designed to overhaul residential property in England and Wales. The recommendations address unfair practices in the leasehold system, which has already seen a ban…

Can you make a Power of Attorney online?

It is possible to make a Power of Attorney online, but whether you should is an entirely different matter. The process of making a Power of Attorney seems straightforward, but for those who are unfamiliar with the process, there are many potential pitfalls which could result in your application being rejected or your wishes not being carried out correctly. In this article, we look at some of the common difficulties we see when clients attempt to make a Power of Attorney online. How do I make a Power of Attorney…

Gifting and inheritance tax explained

As part of inheritance tax planning, or simply as part of passing on wealth to the next generation, you may consider gifting money or property to family or friends. However, there are several things you need to know about gifting and inheritance tax. In this article, we give a brief overview of gifting and inheritance tax, including who you can gift to, how much you can gift, and what it means if you continue to benefit from the gift. Giving away money or property to avoid inheritance tax One of…

COVID-19 vaccine: What if my partner objects to our child being vaccinated?

July 7, 2021
Vikram Kumar
Family

With the COVID-19 vaccine being quickly rolled out across the UK, there are concerns among some about the long-term impact and side effects of the vaccine. As a result, some are reluctant to get the vaccine themselves or let their children be vaccinated. The law in the UK allows parents to decide whether their children should be vaccinated, but what happens when parents or those with parental responsibility disagree? In this article, we look at what happens if one parent objects to a child being vaccinated. What happens when parents…

5 reasons a solicitor should write your will

Writing your will: 5 reasons you should use a solicitor

June 30, 2021
Manal Fouad
Private Client

Writing a will is important, you have decided to do it finally and are considering doing it yourself. There are many templates and tools available online, along with vast amounts of information about the law and how to go about writing your own will. However, there are significant benefits to using a solicitor to write your will - not to mention the pitfalls of trying to do it yourself. In this article, we look at five reasons to use a solicitor to write your will. A solicitor knows what to…

Is it legal to camp anywhere in the UK?

June 23, 2021
Sadiq Uddin
General News

Amid a global pandemic and with travel restrictions looming large in the UK, travelling to a holiday destination abroad may seem a far stretch. However, not to fall into a pit of despair, the weather seems to be on the up. With warmer weather and the glorious countryside, camping is a great alternative. Whilst camping is an attractive option, it is important to be mindful of the laws concerning camping and wild camping in the UK. Equipped with the knowledge of the law, you can set out and enjoy your…

Rent forfeitures and Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery

Eviction protection extended for businesses most in need On the 16th June 2021, the Government announced its intention to further extend the Moratorium in relation to commercial evictions in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This will now run until March 2022. As far as Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) is concerned, only rent that is more than 554 days in arrears can be collected, this meaning that the rent arrears from March 2020 quarters onwards cannot be recovered as of yet. The Government is preparing a full release on the…

Companies must be on track for Covid-safe workplace

Companies anticipating a return to the workplace in July, if the Government’s route map stays on track, should be planning how to protect workers and customers once the country is released from the current Covid-related restrictions. Although the Government may decide that it is safe to relax regulations and recommendations around social distancing and large groups, the virus will still be circulating, and individuals could become infected or pass the virus on to others in the workplace. Planning ahead and involving staff in the planning process is the best approach. …

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