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FCA consults on additional guidance for mortgage providers in COVID-19

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced proposals to ensure that firms provide tailored support to mortgage borrowers who continue to face payment difficulties due to coronavirus. The FCA has published a guidance consultation setting out further information for mortgage providers and COVID-19 affected borrowers. The FCA's proposals aim to support mortgage borrowers who have taken up payment deferrals and who continue to face financial difficulties. The proposals will also help those whose financial situation may now be affected by COVID-19 post lockdown. The draft (in consultation until 1 September)…

remote family court

Remote family court hearings – how do they work?

The introduction of social distancing in response to the coronavirus outbreak has caused disruption to many vital services – including in the justice system. Many services that would typically have taken place face-to-face have been adapted to meet the challenges of our current climate. One such service is family court hearings, which may now take place remotely. In this post, we look at how remote family court hearings currently operate. Will my family court hearing be held remotely or in-person? For now, it is the default position that family court…

Mask Construction

CLC guidance on the use of face coverings in construction

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published its latest guidance, The Use of Face Coverings in Construction during Coronavirus (COVID-19). The key points to note: That while the use of face coverings is mandatory for a number of public places, the government's guidance on construction and other outdoor work does not require face coverings for COVID! Unless there are suspected cased of COVID. Normal PPE is to be used where required but this is not as an extra for COVID. In the guidance, there is an explanation of face coverings…

moving to new home

How long does it take to buy a property? Everything you need to know.

Buying a new home is exciting, but you may be anxious about how long the process could take from start to finish. Understanding how long you can expect to wait before you get the keys to your new home can help you to plan both practically and financially. In this post, we set out an estimated duration for each stage of the conveyancing process. Finding your new home (8-12 weeks) Finding your ideal property is possibly the most difficult stage to allocate a time limit as this really depends on…

Commercial Property

Renewing a commercial lease – what can be negotiated?

Most lease renewals are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and the rules can be complicated and confusing. However, if your commercial lease is up for renewal, you want to ensure you get the most favourable terms for your business. In this post, we look at the key things to negotiate when renewing a commercial lease to help you understand what terms you might be able to change. How do I renew a commercial lease? If you would like to renew the lease on your commercial property, you…

Coronavirus and residential tenancies – update on eviction procedure

The Government has published an update as to how residential possession matters will proceed following the lifting of the ban on eviction which is set to come to an end on 23 August 2020. Claims have now been split into 3 categories. Stayed claims brought before 3 August 2020 Stayed Claim brought before 22 August 2020 New claims brought after 22 August 2020. No stayed claim will be restarted until a reactivation notice is filed with the Court and served on the Tenant. This will enable the matter to be…

Changes to the Use Classes Order to give greater clarity and reflect the diversity of uses

The Government is making a number of changes to the planning process and one significant update is the changing of the categories of use in the Use Classes Order from 1 September 2020 in England. The aim is to make the Use Class a better fit to the current needs and diversity of uses on the high street and in town centres. The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 will be amended to include 3 new classes and remove a number of the well-known ones. (See the chart…

data protection

New protection for innovators with launch of digital asset fingerprinting

A new online digital fingerprinting service has been launched to help protect designs and innovations from copycat misuse. The World Intellectual Property Organisation’s new online business platform – known as WIPO PROOF – is designed to safeguard intellectual assets by creating date and time-stamped digital fingerprints when information is uploaded. Owners of the assets receive tamper-proof evidence to safeguard every stage of the development cycle through to commercialisation.  The aim is to speed up any subsequent litigation over copyright, design or patent, by recording and confirming each stage.   The platform…

How to deal with an estate as an executor during the coronavirus pandemic

Adjusting to the challenges caused by coronavirus has been difficult for all of us. However, for those dealing with the death of a loved one, the onerous obligations placed on executors may seem overwhelming. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of claims brought against executors by beneficiaries. Coupled with increased financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it is vital that executors understand their duties and obligations to avoid claims. In this article we set out what is required of executors, and how…

Chancellor announces Plan for Jobs to help Businesses

Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced a plan for jobs on 8 July 2020. We set out some of the key highlights. Furlough will not be extended: although it seems attractive, it will be worse for the economy to extend it. So, it will end in October 2020. A new policy has been introduced to reward and incentivise employers who successfully bring furloughed staff back – a new Jobs Retention Bonus. As an employer, if you bring someone who was furloughed and you continuously employ them through to January 2021, the Government will…

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