Month: April 2026
Maternity care crisis is putting mothers and babies at risk
Incomplete records. Delayed clinical reviews. Rushed appointments. Staff capacity pressures. These are just some of the problems that have been highlighted by a national review of maternity and neonatal services. The initial findings prompted the investigation’s chair Baroness Amos to st....
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Section 278 agreements explained
If your development project requires work on the public highway, this must be authorised by the local highway authority before any construction can begin. You will enter into a Section 278 agreement, which can have a range of practical implications on a project, so it’s important to understand wh....
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Section 106 Agreements: What developers need to know
If you are a developer, securing planning permission is usually only one part of your planning strategy. Legal agreements such as Section 106 are frequently tied to permissions, meaning you must meet certain obligations to carry out the project. Understanding how these agreements work is essential ....
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Planning enforcement – options for developers
If you are a developer and have been served an enforcement notice, it is essential to seek professional advice - how you respond can have a significant impact on the project’s outcome. In this blog, we explain the local planning authority’s (LPA’s) enforcement powers and what you can do if yo....
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Planning enforcement risks for developers
We understand that navigating the evolving planning system can be a challenge for developers. However, full compliance with planning laws is key to delivering a successful project. Failing to comply with regulations can have serious consequences on a project’s viability, potentially resulting in ....
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Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation – what applicants need to know
If you live in the Epping Forest district, your home may lie within a special area of conservation (SAC). Planning restrictions apply in these areas, meaning a small extension that might be permitted elsewhere will require a planning application in an SAC. In this blog, we explain what you need to ....
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Understanding the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954: key considerations for landlords and tenants
Losing your business premises, facing unexpected costs, or limiting future plans are all real risks when dealing with lease renewal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. Recent case law highlights that outcomes often depend not just on the law itself, but on timing, preparation, and the strength ....
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Inheritance tax and rising estate values: what the new financial year means for your estate
As we enter a new financial year, many individuals and families will take the opportunity to review their finances. It is also an important moment to consider how rising estate values, particularly property, may affect exposure to inheritance tax, especially where tax thresholds have remained uncha....
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Renters’ Rights Act: What else do landlords need to know?
The last blog in our series looks at other landlord obligations resulting from the Renters' Rights Act implementation. Anti-discrimination obligations The Act introduces new provisions preventing landlords from refusing to let to prospective tenants on the basis that they have children or....
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How landlords must issue rent increases under the Renters’ Rights Act
From 1 May, the way in which private landlords can increase rent will change fundamentally. The ability to rely on a contractual rent review clause – whether linked to a fixed percentage, the retail prices index or the consumer prices index – will come to an end. For all private rented sector t....
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Renter’s Rights Act: New grounds for possession for landlords
The Renters' Rights Act means that from 1 May 2026, landlords looking to recover possession of a residential property must establish one of several specific grounds for possession. Understanding which ground applies – and what notice period is required – will be essential for any landlord consi....
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Renters’ Rights Act: what private landlords must know before 1 May
The Renters' Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026, bringing with it the most significant reform to private residential renting in England for a generation. For landlords, the transitional period between now and then is critical, which means throughout April, we’ll guide you through the key d....
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How to protect your loved ones from inheritance disputes
Inheritance disputes are on the rise, with more than one in five UK adults saying they would consider challenging a will or inheritance if they felt it was unfair or did not reflect the deceased’s intentions. Higher property valuations are adding fuel to potential feuds over estates. Meanwhile....
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When separated parents disagree on children’s screen use: practical steps to find a way forward?
When parents separate, differences in approach can quickly move from manageable to problematic. One of the most common areas of disagreement is children’s use of phones, tablets and social media, where even small differences in view can lead to ongoing tension between households. Why separ....
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Putting children at the centre of family court: will it work in practice?
Recent focus on placing children more firmly at the centre of family court proceedings reflects a growing awareness of the pressures children face. While the intention is clearly the right one, the key question is how this approach will work in practice within an already stretched system. Th....
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The pitfalls of free charity Wills: what should you consider?
Free Will writing services offered by charities can appear to be a straightforward and generous option, particularly where there is no upfront cost. However, these schemes are not always as simple as they first seem. It is important to understand how they work, and the potential pitfalls, before de....
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NS&I scandal: What it means for you
National Savings and Investments (NS&I), owned by the government, has admitted to administrative errors which prevented families from accessing their deceased relatives' savings. In some cases, bereaved families have been struggling to access their loved one’s funds and denied payouts for ....
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