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Wealth Tax or Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Many observers of the London property market would have been hoping for a reduction in Stamp Duty Land Tax rates in the UK government's recent budget announcement, but to no avail.

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Vacant properties ‘stolen’ by fraudsters

A recent High Court case, Dreamvar (UK) Ltd -v- Mishcon De Reya (A Firm), demonstrated that the Land Registry could spot a fraudulent transaction.

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Courts hit high and hard with new health and safety fines

One year after the introduction of tough new health and safety sentencing guidelines, a series of high profile cases show that courts are not holding back when it comes to imposing the higher fines, which can be directly linked to a corporate defendant’s turnover.

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Complex challenges for employers in the year ahead

Constant changes and increasing complexity have helped make employment law a frontline challenge for business and this year looks set to continue the trend.

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Getting to work amidst travel chaos and disruption

There are several reasons why employees may have trouble getting to work because of major disruptions. The common cause recently is the ASLEF and RMT strikes affecting Southern and Gatwick Express train services, with the next bout of strikes planned for 24, 25 and 27 January. On Monday, tube strikes also affected commuters having a massive impact on businesses in London. And with today’s weather both ice and snow are affecting the roads and public transport around the country. The question is what can employers do?

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Equal Pay Day 2016

Equal pay day falls today, 10 November 2016, only one day later than last year. This means that women stop earning relative to men today.

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Insight

Change in divorce law looks set to stop the blame game

No fault divorce is likely to be introduced, but professionals say fair deal on asset sharing means mediation must remain top of the agenda

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Safeguarding’s vital when appointing others to act

Increasing numbers of people are taking advantage of a simplified online process to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, which enables others to manage their affairs if they become unable to do so themselves, but alongside there is a surge in reports of abuse by attorneys. “It’s important to get guidance and set safeguards in place when permitting others to manage your affairs.” says private client specialist, James McMullan who explains how the process works and the ways in which you can protect yourself.

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What lies beneath…

If you’re investing in or developing property, be aware that any mines and minerals beneath the surface could be owned by someone else.

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Can you ever be too young to create a Lasting Power of Attorney?

While most Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are created by older people, mental capacity issues can strike at any age. Anyone can fall foul of an illness or accident which leaves them incapacitated or even in a coma.

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Death and taxes are said to be the two certainties of life…

While we often stop and have a moan about taxes; very little thought is often given to death itself.

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New trade mark rules simplify counterfeit challenges

A branding challenge toppled the golden arches when a small Irish fast food company managed to block the international McDonald's food chain from trademarking the terms Big Mac and Mc throughout Europe.

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